SIST-TS ENV 12038:2004

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
SIST-TS ENV 12038:2004
01-januar-2004
Durability of wood and wood-based products - Wood-based panels - Method of
test for determining the resistance against wood-destroying basidiomycetes
Durability of wood and wood-based products - Wood-based panels - Method of test for
determining the resistance against wood-destroying basidiomycetes
Dauerhaftigkeit von Holz und Holzwerkstoffen - Holzwerkstoffplatten - Bestimmung der
Beständigkeit gegen holzzerstörende Basidiomyceten
Durabilité du bois et des matériaux dérivés du bois - Panneaux a base de bois - Méthode
d'essai pour déterminer la résistance aux champignons basidiomycetes lignivores
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: ENV 12038:2002
ICS:
79.060.01 /HVQHSORãþHQDVSORãQR Wood-based panels in
general
SIST-TS ENV 12038:2004 en
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

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SIST-TS ENV 12038:2004

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SIST-TS ENV 12038:2004
EUROPEAN PRESTANDARD
ENV 12038
PRÉNORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE VORNORM
March 2002
ICS 79.060.01 Supersedes ENV 12038:1996
English version
Durability of wood and wood-based products - Wood-based
panels - Method of test for determining the resistance against
wood-destroying basidiomycetes
Durabilité du bois et des matériaux dérivés du bois - Dauerhaftigkeit von Holz und Holzwerkstoffen -
Panneaux à base de bois - Méthode d'essai pour Holzwerkstoffplatten - Bestimmung der Beständigkeit
déterminer la résistance aux champignons basidiomycètes gegen holzzerstörende Basidiomyceten
lignivores
This European Prestandard (ENV) was approved by CEN on 23 December 2001 as a prospective standard for provisional application.
The period of validity of this ENV is limited initially to three years. After two years the members of CEN will be requested to submit their
comments, particularly on the question whether the ENV can be converted into a European Standard.
CEN members are required to announce the existence of this ENV in the same way as for an EN and to make the ENV available promptly
at national level in an appropriate form. It is permissible to keep conflicting national standards in force (in parallel to the ENV) until the final
decision about the possible conversion of the ENV into an EN is reached.
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece,
Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION
EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG
Management Centre: rue de Stassart, 36  B-1050 Brussels
© 2002 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. ENV 12038:2002 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

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SIST-TS ENV 12038:2004
ENV 12038:2002 (E)
Contents
page
Foreword.4
Introduction .5
1 Scope .6
2 Normative references .6
3 Term and definition.6
4 Principle.6
5 Test materials.7
5.1 Biological material .7
5.2 Other materials and reagents .8
5.3 Apparatus .9
6 Test product .9
6.1 General.9
6.2 Test specimen preparation .10
7 Numbers of test specimens.10
7.1 Test product specimens.10
7.2 Virulence control specimens.10
7.3 Size control specimens .10
8 Procedure .11
8.1 Pre-conditioning.11
8.2 Initial dry mass.11
8.3 Sterilization of test specimens .12
8.4 Preparation of the culture vessels .12
8.5 Inoculation.12
8.6 Exposure of test specimens .12
8.7 Culture conditions and duration of the test .13
8.8 Assessment of the test.13
9 Validity of the test .14
10 Assessment of results.14
11 Test report .14
Annex A (informative)  Test fungi .16
A.1 General information on maintenance and acquisition of test strains.16
A.2 Maintenance and treatment of test fungi.16
A.3 Information regarding obligatory fungi .16
Annex B (informative)  Recommended but non-comprehensive list of optional fungi.18
Annex C (informative)  Culture vessels.19
Annex D (normative)  Methods of sterilization.20
D.1 Ionizing radiation .20
D.2 Steam .20
Annex E (normative)  Calculation of the decay susceptibility index (DSI).21
E.1 Principle.21
E.2 Calculation.21
Annex F (informative)  Example of a test report.22
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SIST-TS ENV 12038:2004
ENV 12038:2002 (E)
Bibliography .25
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SIST-TS ENV 12038:2004
ENV 12038:2002 (E)
Foreword
This document ENV 12038:2002 has been prepared by CEN /TC 38 "Durability of wood and wood-based
products", the secretariat of which is held by AFNOR.
This document supersedes ENV 12038:1996.
Annexes A, B, C and F are informative.
Annexes D and E are normative.
According to the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organizations of the following
countries are bound to announce this European Prestandard: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland,
France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain,
Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
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SIST-TS ENV 12038:2004
ENV 12038:2002 (E)
Introduction
This European Prestandard describes a laboratory test method in which small samples of the wood-based panel
product under test are exposed to attack by a range of wood-destroying basidiomycete fungi in pure culture. The
thickness of the test specimens varies, since it is dictated by the thickness of the wood-based panel product under
test. In order to make comparisons of the decay resistance of wood-based panel products of different thicknesses,
solid wood specimens of the same dimensions as the wood-based panel product test specimens are included. The
effect of constituents giving temporary protection is avoided by testing after pre-conditioning of the cut specimens in
a freely ventilated environment. The test method also includes a minimum moisture uptake requirement.
The procedures described in this prestandard method are intended to be carried out by suitably trained and/or
supervised specialists. Appropriate safety precautions should be observed throughout the use of this prestandard.
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SIST-TS ENV 12038:2004
ENV 12038:2002 (E)
1 Scope
This European Prestandard specifies a method for assessing the resistance of wood-based panel products to
attack by wood-destroying basidiomycete fungi growing in pure culture.
The method is applicable to uncoated, rigid wood-based panel products. It is applicable to the determination of the
decay resistance of wood-based panel products:

made from naturally durable materials;

made from materials treated with preservatives prior to manufacture;

treated with a preservative which is introduced during manufacture, for example as an additive to the adhesive;

treated with preservative after manufacture.
NOTE 1 This method can be used in conjunction with an appropriate ageing procedure, for example EN 73 or EN 84.
NOTE 2 Wood-based panel products that have received a preservative treatment after manufacture can be susceptible to
attack through the cut edges of the test specimens and the decay resistance indicated can be less than that of complete panels
used in service.
2 Normative references
This European Prestandard incorporates by dated or undated reference, provisions from other publications. These
normative references are cited at the appropriate places in the text, and the publications are listed hereafter. For
dated references, subsequent amendments to or revisions of any of these publications apply to this European
Prestandard only when incorporated in it by amendment or revision. For undated references the latest edition of the
publication referred to applies (including amendments).
EN 73, Wood preservatives - Accelerated ageing tests of treated wood prior to biological testing - Evaporative
ageing procedure.
EN 84, Wood preservatives - Accelerated ageing tests of treated wood prior to biological testing - Leaching
procedure.
EN ISO 3696, Water for analytical laboratory use - Specification and test methods (ISO 3696:1987).
3 Term and definition
For the purposes of this European Prestandard, the following term and definition apply.
3.1
supplier
the sponsor of the test
4 Principle
Specimens prepared from the wood-based panel product(s) under test, after pre-conditioning, and control
specimens of defined function are exposed to attack by pure cultures of wood-destroying basidiomycete fungi.
After a prescribed period of incubation under defined conditions, the loss in dry mass of the specimens is used as
the criterion for determining the extent of attack. This, in comparison with the loss in mass of the size control
specimens, is used to estimate the resistance of the wood-based panel product(s) to attack by the test fungi.
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SIST-TS ENV 12038:2004
ENV 12038:2002 (E)
5 Test materials
5.1 Biological material
5.1.1 Test fungi
5.1.1.1 Obligatory test fungi for all types of panel products (see also annex A):

Coniophora puteana (Schumacher ex Fries) Karsten (BAM Ebw. 15)
Loss in mass of Scots pine sapwood virulence control specimens in16 weeks: a mass fraction of minimum 20 %

Pleurotus ostreatus (Jacquin ex Fries ) Quélet (FPRL 40C)
Loss in mass of beech virulence control specimens in 16 weeks: a mass fraction of minimum 20 %
5.1.1.2 Species to be used compulsorily on the nature of the test product (see also annex A):
For test products made only from softwood:

 Gloeophyllum trabeum (Persoon ex Fries ) Murrill (BAM Ebw. 109)
Loss in mass of Scots pine sapwood virulence control specimens in16 weeks: a mass fraction of minimum 20 %
For test products made only from hardwood:

Coriolus versicolor (Linnaeus) Quélet (CTB 863A)
Loss in mass of beech virulence control specimens in 16 weeks: a mass fraction of minimum 20 %
For test products made from a mixture of softwood and hardwood, both Gloeophyllum trabeum and Coriolus
versicolor shall be used.
5.1.1.3 Optional test fungi
1)
For specific regional uses or conditions, it is also possible to choose other fungi on an optional basis .
5.1.1.4 Maintenance of strains
The strains shall be maintained and treated (frequency of subculturing, alternation of culture media etc.) in
accordance with the instructions from their laboratory of origin (see annex A). The parent strain shall be maintained
in the laboratory of its origin, so as to conserve and assure its vigour.
If tests are not undertaken regularly, or if a strain shows signs of degeneration, a new standard culture of the strain
shall be obtained from the laboratory of origin for each test. When new strains are received, the virulence shall be
tested to ensure that the mass loss achieved is above the minimum value given in annex A or annex B.
5.1.2 Solid wood stock
5.1.2.1 Wood species
The following species shall be used for the test:

Scots pine sapwood (Pinus sylvestris Linnaeus)

Beech (Fagus sylvatica Linnaeus)

1)
See annex B for a non-comprehensive list of recommended optional fungi.
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SIST-TS ENV 12038:2004
ENV 12038:2002 (E)
5.1.2.2 Quality of the wood
The wood shall be free from visible cracks, stain, decay, insect damage or other defects. The wood shall not have
been water-stored, floated, chemically treated or steamed.
NOTE Wood that has been kiln dried at temperatures below 60 °C may be used.
The Scots pine shall be exclusively sapwood containing little resin and having between 2,5 and 8 annual growth
rings per 10 mm. The proportion of latewood in the annual rings shall not exceed 30 % of the whole.
The beech shall be even grained, free from tyloses and discoloration. It shall have between 2 and 6 annual growth
rings per 10 mm.
5.1.2.3 Virulence control specimens
Prepare planed strips from the solid wood stock having a cross-section (25 ± 0,5) mm x (15 ± 0,5) mm. The
longitudinal faces shall be parallel to the direction of the grain. The annual rings shall not be parallel to the faces
(contact angle greater than 10°) but otherwise can run in any direction. Make transverse cuts, neatly to give sharp
edges and a fine-sawn finish to the end-grain surfaces, to give virulence control specimens (50 ± 0,5) mm long.
2)
The dimensions of each virulence control specimen at a mass fraction of (12 ± 2) % moisture content shall be
(50 ± 0,5) mm  (25 ± 0,5) mm  (15 ± 0,5) mm.
The specimens shall originate from a minimum of three trees or shall be taken from a stock originally of more than
500 specimens.
5.1.2.4 Size control specimens
3)
Prepare planed strips from the solid wood stock having a cross-section (50 ± 0,5) mm x thickness of the wood-
based panel product under test. Make transverse cuts, neatly to give sharp edges and a fine-sawn finish to the
end-grain surfaces, to give size control specimens (50 ± 0,5) mm long. The annual rings of the specimens shall be
orientated as for the virulence control specimens (5.1.2.3).
2)
The dimensions of each size control specimen at a mass fraction of (12 ± 2) % moisture content shall be
(50 ± 0,5) mm x (50 ± 0,5) mm x thickness of the wood-based panel product.
3 3
The oven dry density shall be (0,48  0,05) g/cm for the Scots pine specimens and (0,67  0,05) g/cm for the
beech specimens.
5.2 Other materials and reagents
5.2.1 Water
Water conforming to grade 3 of EN ISO 3696 shall be used throughout.
5.2.2 Culture medium
The culture medium is a malt agar medium with the following composition:

malt extract : in concentrated form: (50 ± 0,5) g;
in powder form: (40 ± 0,5) g.

agar causing no inhibition of growth of fungi: (20 ± 0,5) g to (30 ± 0,5) g.

2)
A moisture meter of the two pronged electrical conductivity type is suitable for assessing moisture content.
3)
Measured to an accuracy of 0,5 mm.
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SIST-TS ENV 12038:2004
ENV 12038:2002 (E)

water (5.2.1): quantity to make up to 1 000 ml.
Warm the mixture in a boiling water bath or a steam bath; stir until completely dissolved.
NOTE The quantity of culture medium required in each culture vessel varies with the thickness of the test product (see 8.4).
5.2.3 Additive for Pleurotus ostreatus
4)
Anhydrated, laminar, aluminium-iron-magnesium silicate exfoliated to yield particles up to 3 mm diameter.
Particles less than 2 mm diameter shall be removed by sieving. Before use, mix the sample of additive well. The
additive shall be used only once.
5.3 Apparatus
5.3.1 Conditioning supports, made of glass, stainless steel or any other inert material, that is to say with no risk
of having any effect on the test specimens. The supports shall provide free circulation of air around the test
specimens whilst having a minimum of contact with the test specimens.
5.3.2 Conditioning room, well ventilated and controlled at (20 ± 1) C and (65 ± 5) % relative humidity.
5.3.3 Culture chamber (incubator or room), dark and controlled at (22 ± 1) C and (70 ± 5) % relative humidity.
5.3.4 Culture vessels, with a capacity of between 400 ml and 650 ml, made of a material which can be sterilized
by autoclaving and which does not have a toxic effect on the fungi. The vessels shall be provided with leakproof
lids, the centre of which shall be pierced with a round hole of up to 15 mm diameter and plugged so as to allow
ventilation but to prevent access by contaminating fungi. The vessels shall be a minimum of 65 mm in depth and
2 2
have a cross-sectional area of between 55 cm and 90 cm .
NOTE A suitable culture vessel is shown in annex C.
5.3.5 Ventilated drying oven, capable of being controlled at (103 ± 2) C.
5.3.6 Desiccators, with an efficient desiccant, for example silica gel.
5.3.7 Equipment for chemical gas sterilization or access to a radiation service (see annex D).
5.3.8 Test specimen supports, made of glass, stainless steel or any other inert material, that is to say with no risk
of having any effect on the culture medium, the fungus or the test product or of being itself modified. The supports
shall prevent direct contact between the test specimens and the culture medium but shall not separate them from it
by more than 3 mm.
NOTE Two sizes of test specimen supports can be required to support specimens of 50 mm x 50 mm and 50 mm x 25 mm
respectively.
5.3.9 Safety equipment and protective clothing, appropriate for the test procedures, to ensure the safety of the
operator.
5.3.10 Ordinary laboratory equipment, including a balance readable to the nearest 0,01g and an autoclave.
6 Test product
6.1 General
A minimum of three replicate panels of the wood-based panel product under test shall be sampled. Ensure that the
panels are clean and as free as possible of contaminants that might give misleading results.

4)
Vermiculite is suitable.
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SIST-TS ENV 12038:2004
ENV 12038:2002 (E)
6.2 Test specimen preparation
Reject from each of the three panels of the test product a strip 300 mm wide from each of the edges. Cut test
specimens (50 ± 0,5) mm x (50 ± 0,5) mm x thickness from the remaining central portion of each panel and mark to
retain the identity of the panel. Reject any test specimens that show defects such as gaps, knot voids, veneer
rupture or discontinuous adhesion.
NOTE 1 Other test specimens, for example for the determination of the wood preservative content, should also be cut from
the central portion of each panel.
NOTE 2 Where small experimental panels of the test product are being used, it is necessary to reject a strip only 50 mm
wide from each of the edges. This should be noted in the test report.
7 Numbers of test specimens
7.1 Test product specimens
7.1.1 Test specimens
Two test specimens from each of a minimum of three panels of the test product shall be exposed to each test
fungus. For cement-bonded particleboards, additional specimens are required to test the alkalinity after curing with
carbon dioxide (see 8.1).
7.1.2 Moisture content check specimens
Two test specimens from each panel of the test product used to provide test specimens shall be used as moisture
content check specimens.
7.1.3 Wetting check specimens
If necessary, two test specimens from each panel of the test product used to provide test specimens shall be used
as wetting check specimens (see 8.8.3).
NOTE Some types of dense panel products, for example cement-bonded particleboards, or products containing water
repellent additives, can fail to attain the required moisture content. If this occurs, then the wetting check specimens should be
used.
7.2 Virulence control specimens
Six Scots pine virulence control specimens (5.1.2.3) shall be exposed to each test fungus causing decay of the
5)
brown rot type and six beech virulence control specimens shall be exposed to each test fungus causing decay of
the white rot type.
7.3 Size control specimens
Six Scots pine size control specimens (5.1.2.4) shall be exposed to each test fungus causing decay of the brown
5)
rot type and six beech size control specimens shall be exposed to each test fungus causing decay of the white rot
type.

5)
If Lentinus cyathiformis is selected as an optional test fungus (see annex B), beech virulence control specimens and size
control specimens should be used.
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SIST-TS ENV 12038:2004
ENV 12038:2002 (E)
8 Procedure
8.1 Pre-conditioning
If the test is being carried out in conjunction with an ageing procedure, such as EN 73 or EN 84, the ageing
procedure replaces the pre-conditioning described in this subclause. Details of the procedure used shall be
included in the test report.
For products being tested without ageing (except cement-bonded particleboards), place the test specimens (7.1.1),
the moisture content check specimens (7.1.2) and the wetting check specimens (7.1.3) on one of their cut edges on
conditioning supports (5.3.1) with a minimum of 10 mm between specimens and allow to ventilate for a minimum of
12 weeks at ambient temperature and under well ventilated conditions. Rotate the specimens onto another cut
edge at regular intervals so that the specimens stand for approximately three weeks on each edge.
NOTE 1 The pre-conditioning procedure is carried out prior to establishing the initial mass of the test specimens to avoid
having to make an allowance for changes in mass due to pre-conditioning.
NOTE 2 The ventilated storage is carried out to allow constituents of the test product that can give temporary protection
against attack by fungi to be lost from the test specimens. An open bench in a laboratory is normally suitable for the procedure.
For cement-bonded particleboards, ensure that the test specimens are fully hardened before use. Pre-condition the
test specimens and some additional specimens by curing using carbon dioxide for a period of four weeks. After this
time, break open at least two of the additional specimens. Spray the broken surfaces with a solution of
phenolphthalein (a mass fraction of 1 % in ethanol). If the colour of the specimens remains unchanged, curing is
complete. If a red colour develops, continue the carbon dioxide curing for a further period of one week and retest.
Repeat as necessary.
NOTE 3 A suitable method for curing with carbon dioxide is described in ENV 12404.
8.2 Initial dry mass
8.2.1 Test product specimens
Following pre-conditioning (8.1), transfer the test specimens (7.1.1), the moisture content check specimens (7.1.2)
and the wetting check specimens (7.1.3) on their conditioning supports to the conditioning room (5.3.2). Rotate the
specimens through 180  weekly onto another cut edge. After a period of at least 4 weeks or when the specimens
have achieved constant mass, that is when weighings at 24 h intervals are within ± 0,05 g, weigh each test
specimen, moisture content check specimen and wetting check specimen to the nearest 0,01g to determine the
initial conditioned mass (m ).
0
Place the moisture content check specimens in the oven (5.3.5) at (103 ± 2) C for 16 h to 24 h. Cool the
specimens to room temperature in desiccators (5.3.6) and weigh each specimen to the nearest 0,01 g to determine
the oven dry mass (m ).
1
Calculate the initial moisture factor (F ) for each moisture content check specimen using the following formula:
i
m  m
0 1
F  1
i
m
0
where
m is the initial conditioned mass, and;
0
m is the oven dry mass.
1
Calculate the mean value (F ) for each set of check specimens and use this value to calculate the oven dry mass
im
(m ) of the equivalent set of test specimens and, if necessary wetting check specimens, using the following
1
formula:
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SIST-TS ENV 12038:2004
ENV 12038:2002 (E)
F  m  m
im 0 1
8.2.2 Virulence control specimens and size control specimens
Place the virulence control specimens (5.1.2.3) and the size control specimens (5.1.2.4) in the oven (5.3.5) at
(103 ± 2) C for 16 h to 24 h. Cool the specimens to room temperature in desiccators (5.3.6) and weigh each
specimen to the nearest 0,01g to determine the initial dry mass (m ).
1
8.3 Sterilization of test specimens
Sterilize the test specimens (7.1.1), the virulence control specimens (7.2) and the size control specimens (7.3)
using one of the methods given in annex D.
8.4 Preparation of the culture vessels
Dispense 60 ml of the culture medium (5.2.2) into each culture vessel for use with test specimens up to 15 mm
thick; use an additional 10 ml of culture medium for each additional 5 mm of thickness or part of 5 mm (for example
for 18 mm thick specimens use 70 ml and for 30 mm thick specimens use 90 ml). Close the vessels as specified in
5.3.4 and sterilize in the autoclave at 121 C for 20 min. Allow the vessels to cool in their in-use position.
8.5 Inoculation
Inoculate the culture medium not more than seven days after sterilization. Aseptically transfer two inocula, of
minimum size 6 mm diameter, from the appropriate test fungus onto the test medium surface in each test vessel
placing the i
...