Paint-Coatings
Paint and coatings on paperboard, metal, plastic and other substrates, can encounter significant problems with microbes.
These materials are often a complex mixture of natural and synthetic materials. Microbial growth in paints and coatings is a concern that should be assessed given the range of production processes, storage needs and intended uses for paints and coatings, all of which can present an attractive environment for microbial growth.
From formulation and production to storage and use, paints and coatings can both be affected by microbial growth and at the same time serve as a source of nutrients for further growth. Once a paint or coating product is put into a container, spoilage can become an issue. Shelf life and the ability to preserve a material for a range of storage conditions is a significant challenge in many industries.
ASTM D2574 is a common preservation challenge used for the storing paints. ASTM D2574 offers both fungal and bacterial challenges. For coatings, ASTM G21 and ASTM D3273 are used for anti-fungal testing and JIS Z 2801 is often requested for antibacterial efficacy for a range of polymeric materials. Customers commonly request ATP testing for on going Quality Control to assure manufacturers that products are performing optimally batch to batch.
Additional Product Testing for Paint
Another important part of product development focuses on how a material like paint in its liquid form will affect the environment while in use and after disposal. Evaluating a paint’s biodegradability or toxicological affects on the environment and living organisms is an important quality that can increase market value and distinguish the product from other paints. The surfactants, latex, or other binder systems can be tested for biodegradability and toxicity to determine how a paint in its finished form might degrade and affect its surrounding environment.
Contact the lab at 847-483-9950 or info@situtest.com for more information about antimicrobial testing for paints and coatings.