For the purpose of the research, we set up model benches at seven locations (Pesnica, Ljubljana, Velika planina, Bilje, Jamlje, Seča and Škocjanski zatok). The benches were made of untreated spruce wood, spruce wood treated with Silvanolin and thermally modified spruce wood. After two years samples were taken from each bench and stored in a dark, dry place. During the study, we measured the moisture content and colour of the benches. As part of this work, we analysed indicators of wood decay. After two years, we determined the colour (CIELab) and roughness (laser confocal microscopy) of the samples as well as the contact angle of water in contact with the wood. Using digital microscopy, we assessed the presence of blue stain fungi and decay fungi. Finally, we measured the residual copper content in Silvanolin - treated samples after two years of exposure. The results showed that thermal modification and wood impregnation effectively slow down decomposition processes, as the occurrence of blue stain fungi was mostly observed only in untreated spruce, while thermally modified spruce and spruce protected with Silvanolin showed better results. The results also confirmed that decomposition processes depend on the microclimatic conditions of each location, as the wood moisture content was highest at locations with a lot of rain.
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