Laboratory testing: marine borers

Bio-based materials, like all materials, are likely to experience a range of environments and challenges that can affect the performance of the material, such as the effects of weathering and moisture. In addition, as bio-based materials are organic in their nature, this means that they are likely to be susceptible to attack by natural organisms ranging from bacteria and fungi to insects and higher animals. When developing new materials and testing existing materials for suitability for specific uses, the material ultimately has to be tested against the specific environment or organisms involved. Service and performance data – how well a product performs in use – are critical and essential. However, commercial and legislative pressures make performance testing essential during product development. There is a need for a range of differing test methods to ensure material performance is tested under the widest range of environments and challenges as possible.