Fungus Resistance of Polyvinyl Acetate Latex Dust Control Material.

A polyvinyl acetate latex material, intended for use as a dust control material for helicopter landing pads, was evaluated for fungus susceptibility. Laboratory tests included incubation of dried films on inorganic salts-agar and burial of specimens in biologically active soil. The dried films show a marked loss in flexibility, probably due to utilization of pasticizer by soil microorganisms. The dried films can be protected against fungus attack by the addition of a biocide such as 2,3,5,6- tetrachloro-4methylsulfonyl pyridine to the latex material prior to casting the films. Examination of drums of liquid dust control material stored in the tropical climate of the Canal Zone showed evidence of microbiological contamination of the liquid latex. Author-PL