IRG Sections and Working Parties

 

The IRG is organised in Sections, each with a specific scope. At present there are five Sections that reflect main areas of current importance in wood protection. The Section Leaders (Chair, Vice-chair) are responsible for co-ordinating the activities within their Sections and for encouraging the initiation of new work.

The Scientific Programme Committee (SPC) has the responsibility for co-ordinating the activities between the Sections. Within each Section any Member may make proposals for projects and for Working Parties so long as they have a clearly defined scope and a clearly expressed target date. Working Parties are usually formed around a specific topic such as Physiology of decay. Activities can include research symposia, discussion groups or collaborative research projects. Working Parties are intended to be easily created or dissolved and serve as a vehicle for bringing IRG members together.


Section 1. Biology

This section is concerned with the research on timber substrates and all aspects of agents of decay that affect performance of wood. It also covers ecology, physiology, biocontrol and mechanisms of decay in relation to the gross and fine structure of wood species.Relevant subject matter includes:
  • Microorganisms
  • Insects & Marine borers
  • Natural durability
  • Microbial test methodology

Section 2. Wood Protection

This section is concerned with research to improve the understanding of the interactions of chemical wood protection systems, both existing and under development, with wood or wood-based materials with particular emphasis on performance evaluation against fungi, bacteria and insects.Practical and fundamental areas of interest include:
  • Wood preservatives
  • Fire Retardants
  • Other protecting chemicals
  • Treatability of wood and Quality control of processes and materials
  • Wood protection by design and new protection concepts

Section 3. Wood Modification

This section is concerned with research to improve the understanding of the interactions of wood protection systems, both existing and under development, with non-biocidal approaches to protection through modification of the wood structure. This includes{
  • Thermal modification
  • Chemical modification
  • Other penetrating modifications
  • Surface modification

Section 4. Applications and Performance

This section deals with research into applications of protected wood products as well as research on the performance of any such methodologies in regards to service life or characteristics of such materials either in test or in service. Specific topics include:
  • Laboratory and field performance
  • Service life
  • Wood-based composites
  • Analysis and Standards

Section 5. Sustainability and Environment  

This section is concerned with research into any environmental interactions which may result from the use of protection methodologies to further the life of wood-based materials. .Specific topics include:
  • Health and safety aspects
  • Reuse and recyclability of treated or modified wood
  • Environmental impact
  • Circular economy of wood products