Use of thermal analysis for the detection of calcium oxalate in selected forms of plastering exposed to the effects of Serpula lacrymans

Abstract

The article discusses the interaction of metabolic products of a wood-destroying fungus of the dry rot species (Serpula lacrymans (Wulfen) P. Karst.) with a commonly used lime mortar. Mortar samples used in the presented experiment were made mostly in laboratory conditions so as to make it possible to set input conditions and to determine initial properties of the examined samples. Matured lime mortar samples were placed in cultivation boxes with a growth of Serpula lacrymans and exposed to its action for a predetermined period of time. For a comparison, mortar samples taken “in situ” from real structures were also subjected to the experiment. The examined samples were subjected to a thermal analysis and a comparative measurement by infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The results of the measurement of infected samples were compared with the results obtained in the reference (control) samples. The experiment carried out was focused on assessing the presence of calcium oxalate, which is secreted into the surroundings of the mycelium during the active growing of Serpula lacrymans.