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ASTM E875-20
Standard Practice for Evaluation of Fungal Control Agents as Preservatives for Aqueous-Based Products Used in the Paper Industry
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Quick understanding of the test
ASTM E875-20 - Standard Practice for Evaluation of Fungal Control Agents as Preservatives for Aqueous-Based Products Used in the Paper Industry
This test assesses the efficacy of fungal control agents (preservatives) in preventing fungal growth and spoilage in aqueous-based products used in the paper industry.
Applicable to products such as pigment suspensions, dye solutions, pulp slurries, starch solutions, sizing agents, polymers, and latex emulsions.
- Aspergillus niger
- Penicillium pinophilum
- Trichoderma virens
- Candida albicans
- Saccharomyces cerevisiae
- Test material is inoculated with fungal spores.
- Treated with varying concentrations of the preservative.
- Incubated at 25โ30ยฐC for up to 6 weeks.
- During incubation period, samples monitored weekly for fungal growth, odor, color, or pH changes.
- After incubation period, growth is assessed and rated on a 0โ4 scale.
- Verifies preservative effectiveness against fungal spoilage in storage.
- Ensures product stability and shelf life.
- Supports compliance with industry quality standards.
Turnaround Time
Typically 6โ7 weeks
Fungal growth is rated on a scale from 0 (no growth) to 4 (heavy growth) after incubation. Samples with no growth are incubated for one more week.
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Abstract
ASTM E875 Test Conditions and Requirements
- Mandatory test microorganisms – Aspergillus niger, Penicillium pinophilum, Trichoderma virens, Candida albicans, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
- Incubation temperature – The testing is conducted under a controlled temperature that mimics the conditions of either storage or usage of the product. In general, the incubation of a product is carried at 25-30ยฐC.
Test Methodology
The ASTM E875-20 test method consists of the following procedures:
- Inoculation: The aqueous test material to be preserved is inoculated with an appropriate fungal inoculum.
- Addition of Fungal Control Agent: The test material is subjected to different concentrations of the fungal control agent, normally a minimum of five different concentrations (at least one active and one non-active) and two control samples with no preservative.
- Incubation: Samples are incubated at the product’s normal storage temperature, usually between 25ยฐC and 30ยฐC, for a duration that approximates the product’s anticipated shelf life, typically six weeks.
- Monitoring: During incubation, samples are periodically examined (e.g., weekly) for evidence of spoilage, such as visual degradation, odor, color change, pH change, and fungal growth.
- Evaluation: Following the incubation period, the extent of fungal growth is graded on a scale of 0 (no growth) to 4 (heavy growth). Samples with no visible fungal growth are re-inoculated and incubated for a further week to verify the preservative’s effectiveness.
Importance
The standard is highly essential for water based industrial products like paper, adhesive, and dye industries. Products get spoiled due to fungal contamination, leading to short shelf life, and monetary loss. The test ensures that fungus control agents effectively preserve the products meaning their quality will be retained, and can be used for a long time.
ASTM E875-20 provides a standardized and reliable method for evaluating the effectiveness of fungal control agents in preserving aqueous-based products used in the paper industry. By simulating real-world storage conditions and monitoring for fungal growth over time, this test ensures that manufacturers can confidently select and validate preservatives that maintain product integrity, prevent spoilage, and comply with industry standards. It serves as a critical tool for safeguarding product quality and extending shelf life in an environment prone to fungal contamination.
At MIS, we offer ASTM E875-compliant testing to evaluate the effectiveness of your fungal control agents used in paper and paperboard materials. Partner with our expert microbiologists to validate your products against mold and fungal contamination to ensure durability, compliance, and market trust.
Contact our experts, today.
Frequently Asked Questions
DR. Martinoz Scholtz
ASTM E875 is a standard test to determine the effectiveness of fungal control agents as preservatives for aqueous-based products in the paper industry.
Aqueous-based products which include pigment suspensions, dye solutions, pulp slurries, and starch solutions used in the paper industry can be tested using ASTM E875 standard procedure.
The typical standard ASTM E875 testing takes about 4-5 weeks. days.
At Microbe Investigations, we test for ASTM E875 using the following microbial strains:
Aspergillus niger, Penicillium pinophalum, and Trichoderma virens
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