ASTM E3364 – Antimicrobial Pink Stain Test for Polymeric Porous and Nonporous Materials

ASTM E3364 is a standardized test method designed to evaluate the effectiveness of antimicrobial agents in preventing staining caused by Actinomycete and Streptomyces species. These microorganisms produce pigments and melanin, resulting in persistent and unattractive stains on flexible or plasticized synthetic polymers, even after the growth has been removed.

By utilizing ASTM E3364, manufacturers can assess the performance of antimicrobial treatments on various porous and non-porous synthetic polymers. This test method is particularly valuable for industries utilizing synthetic polymers in packaging, textiles, and other applications where stain prevention is crucial. With this method, manufacturers can confidently select and apply appropriate antimicrobial treatments to prevent the formation of unsightly stains on synthetic polymer surfaces.

For pink stain assessment, the ASTM E1428 is the leading and widely recognized test for treated polymers. This test method allows for the assessment of bacterial growth inhibition, which is essential as certain bacterial strains produce pigments leading to stains on synthetic polymer surfaces.

ASTM E1428 and ASTM E3364 comprehensively evaluate the effectiveness of antimicrobial agents in preventing bacterial growth and associated discoloration caused by pigments. ASTM E3364 is also applicable for evaluating dark-pigmented test samples. This ensures a thorough assessment of antimicrobial treatment performance, preventing both microbial growth and aesthetic degradation of synthetic polymer surfaces.

For more information about ASTM E3364 and Antimicrobial Testing, contact our laboratory at 847-483-9950 or info@situtest.com.