A COMPARISON OF 2 METHODS FOR TESTING DEFINED FORMULATIONS OF PVC FORRESISTANCE TO FUNGAL COLONIZATION WITH 2 METHODS FOR THE ASSESSMENT OF THEIR BIODEGRADATION

Using plasticised PVC of defined formulation containing a biocide, a c omparison has been made of two methods used to assess resistance to fu ngal colonisation (inhibition of fungal spore germination and use as a carbon source by test fungi) with two physical methods used to assess biodegradation (changes in tensile strength and in extension under lo ad). The results of the first two methods were easier to interpret, bu t there was general agreement with the results of the measurements of physical characteristics. There are however problems with the choice o f methods for the assessment of bioresistance and biodegradation and t hese are discussed. Copyright (C) 1996 Elsevier Science Limited