Resistance of Cereal-Husk-Reinforced PVC Terrace Profiles to Agaricomycetes Fungi

Plant-particle-reinforced polymer composite products are widely used in construction. New terrace profiles, reinforced with oat or millet husks, are being considered. However, their resistance to wood-decomposing Agaricomycetes fungi requires investigation due to their intended environmental exposure. Susceptibility to <i>Coniophora puteana</i>, <i>Coriolus versicolor</i>, and <i>Gleophyllum trabeum</i> was tested. Well-known rice-husk-reinforced profiles were used as the reference material for the analysis. The bioresistance of the oat-husk-reinforced profiles was similar to that of the reference profile. Minor mycelium development and changes in the surface morphology, mass, and flexural strength were found. Millet husk-reinforced profiles showed greater fungal susceptibility, questioning their suitability for the intended application. <i>Coniophora puteana</i> was the most aggressive among all the profiles.