ASTM D5590: 2021

Fungal defacement test

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Quick understanding of the test

ASTM D5590: 2021 - Fungal defacement test

The ASTM D5590 test evaluates the resistance of paints, coatings, and related materials to fungal defacement under controlled laboratory conditions.

Application

Applicable to paints, coatings, plastics, and related products.

Paint or coating (sample)  is applied to glass fiber disks or drawdown strips.

Samples are placed on nutrient-rich malt agar plates.

Plates are inoculated with specific fungal strains and incubated for 4 weeks.

Fungal growth is evaluated using a rating scale.

Benefits

Turnaround Time

The test typically takes 4–5 weeks to complete.
Fungal growth is rated on a scale from 0 (no growth) to 4 (heavy growth).

Passing criteria

A rating of 0 or minimal growth (1) indicates effective resistance to fungal defacement.

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Abstract

ASTM D5590 is used to determine the resistance of paint films and related coatings to fungal defacement by accelerated four-week agar plate assay.

Importance of ASTM D5590

Fungal growth (mold and mildew) is a common cause of deterioration of paints and coating films. The major factors that support and encourage fungal growth include temperature, substrate pH, humidity, and the composition of paints/coating materials. Due to this, aesthetic damage becomes noticeable in the form of discolorations/stains and rough or powdery surfaces.

ASTM D5590 is similar to ASTM G21, however there is an exception of nutrient growth media used for both tests. ASTM G21 utilizes nutrient-limited media (carbon-free) that might affect the growth of fungi. On the other hand, ASTM D 5590 uses a nutrient-rich medium (Malt Agar) on which fungi can grow with relative ease unless antimicrobial agents hinder the growth.

ASTM D5590 standard is designed to determine the relative performance of different coating formulations under a set of conditions that can trigger fungal growth.

ASTM D5590 Test preparations

Test microorganisms – This antifungal activity test uses Aspergillus niger, Penicillium funiculosum, and Aureobasidium pullulans. Aspergillus niger and Penicillium funiculosum can be tested together on the same plates, while Aureobasidium pullulans (mildew organism) is tested separately.

Sample preparations –  Paints/coating samples to be tested can be applied on glass fiber filter paper disks (of size 4.2-cm) or to drawdown strips of size 28 by 216 mm. These test specimens are placed in the center of agar media.

ASTM D5590 Test Method - Determine Resistance of Paints & Coatings to Fungal Defacement

  1. A thin, even coating of fungal suspension is spread over test specimens, which are pre-placed in agar media.
  2. Plates are incubated at 28°C under relative humidity conditions (85 to 90 %) for 4 weeks.
  3. Results are evaluated on the basis of the following values –

Observed Growth on Specimens 

  Ratings

None   

0

Traces of growth (<10 %)

1

Light growth (10–30 %)

2

Moderate growth (30–60 %)

3

Heavy growth (60 % to complete coverage)

4

Conclusions

MIS has introduced a range of antifungal testing services for different industries involved in the innovation and manufacturing of antimicrobial disinfectants, paints/coatings, plastics, and textiles.

Are you looking for ASTM D5590 testing for your product samples? Experts at MIS would be happy to assist you.

Our antifungal testing services are perfectly curated to help our clients to ensure the quality and functionality of their products.

To find more information about ASTM D5590 or other paints & coatings testing, contact our experts now.

Frequently Asked Questions

DR. Martinoz Scholtz

MIS Labs
1. What is ASTM D5590 test?
ASTM D5590 is an antifungal testing method which is used to determine the resistance of paints/coating materials to fungal defacement under optimal lab conditions.
2. What are the Products that can be tested with ASTM D5590 test?
Paint films and coating materials are tested using ASTM D5590 standard.
3. What is the Turnaround Time for ASTM D5590 test?
ASTM D5590 test takes 4- 5 weeks to complete.
4. On how many fungal strains can your ASTM D5590 testing lab perform tests on?

At Microbe Investigations, we test for ASTM D5590 using the following microbial strains: Aspergillus niger (ATCC-16888). Additional strains can be added at the customer’s request.

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