Title:

“The increasing need of film fungicides and algicides
for exterior coatings in the Polish market”

Abstract:

Changes to the climate, cleaner air with less pollution is leading to an increase in the colonisation of all surfaces by fungi, algae and lichens.  Linked to this is the increasing desire of the consumer to re-paint less frequently whilst demanding higher standards in terms of quality of the coatings employed.  All micro-organisms play an important role in the life-cycles of nature.  In addition to bacteria, fungi are also responsible for the decomposition of dead organic material.  Algae by the process of photosynthesis, nourish themselves utilising carbon dioxide and water to produce oxygen.  Lichens are a symbiotic combination of fungi and algae, the algal part produces the organic material for the fungus and the fungal part supplies sufficient water and minerals and provides warmth and protection against evaporation, for the algae.  These micro-organisms are ubiquitous and will colonise any material that is either in contact with water for long periods, or which has a high moisture content, for example, wood.  Such growth can also eventually lead to corrosion if the substrate is metallic.  Growth limiting factors are the availability of water or moisture, the availability of organic materials which can be used as a food source, trace elements and, in the case of algae and lichens, an adequate supply of light.  The ability of these micro-organisms to grow even under the most unfavourable conditions makes the use of biocides necessary in order to provide long-term protection against growth on surface coatings especially when building technology measures have not achieved their required goal.  The choice of a suitable fungicide / algicide and its optimum dosage requires not only knowledge of micro-organisms but also which type of organisms are involved, and also knowledge of the material to be protected, its intended final use and also its expected duration of use.

Presenters Biography:

Mr. Paul Wood
Technical Support Manager – Biocides, Rohm and Haas Company, based in Buchs, Switzerland.  With over twenty five years experience in the biocides industry initially holding laboratory based roles in research and development and customer service, and then in sales and marketing.  For the last five years I have been the technical support manager for biocides in a wide range of different industries covering Turkey, Russia, Central Europe and Africa.  Author of many papers and technical articles.

pwood@rohmhaas.com