The biological deterioration of plastics
article
Various biological organisms, such as microorganisms (fungi and bacteria), insects, and rodents can adversely affect plastic or polymeric materials by (a) mechanical attack, (b) chemical attack (through corrosion by acidic secretions or enzymes in digestive juices) and (c) soiling (surface growth). A table summarizes the resistance of various plastics to microbiological deterioration in the presence of suitable growth conditions (water, carbon source, minerals such as phosphorous and nitrogen, and appropriate temperature). Plasticizers, fillers, stabilizers and other additives can greatly affect resistance. Insects are more likely to cause physical damage than chemical deterioration; they may use plastics for nests, galleries or spinning, or penetrate it while seeking digestible material. Vulnerable items include those made of mixtures of plastics in combination with other materials (e.g. textiles including both synthetic and natural fibres) can be destroyed. Rodents can also damage plastics while searching for food or building nests; incorporation of repellents into specific products is difficult. The article includes practical examples of specific problems with different types of materials and pests and some solutions.
TNO Identifier
282885
Source
Plastics, 25(Oct), pp. 419-422.
Pages
419-422
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