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ASTM D5590: 2021
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Quick understanding of the test
ASTM D5590: 2021 - Fungal defacement test
Application
- Aspergillus niger
- Penicillium funiculosum
- Aureobasidium pullulans
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
- Provides insights into the antifungal efficacy of formulations.
- Ensures compliance with industry standards.
Turnaround Time
Passing criteria
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Abstract
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.
However, its results are comparative and limited to the conditions of the agar-plate method. The method is not intended to simulate or replace indoor or outdoor exposure, where temperature, humidity, sunlight, and environmental contaminants differ.
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
- The paint/coating is applied onto a suitable surface (paper strips/filters), allowed to dry and the film thickness is measured.
- The standard fungi is grown, spores are harvested, filtered and the concentration is adjusted to ~10โถ spores/mL.
- The coated specimens are placed on nutrient agar plates and inoculated uniformly with the prepared spore suspension.
- The plates are incubated at a temperature between 25โ30 ยฐC and high humidity (โฅ85 %) to allow fungal growth on the coating surface.
- After 4 weeks, the plates are observed to visually rate the extent of fungal growth on the coating surface and compare formulation performance.
- Results are evaluated on the basis of the following values –
Conclusion
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
At Microbe Investigations, we test for ASTM D5590 using the following microbial strains: Aspergillus niger (ATCC-16888). Additional strains can be added at the customerโs request.
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