Control of fungal growth on PVC building composites blended with residual material (lignin)

Sustainable engineering uses residuals as components of new building materials. This research makes focus on resistance of such new materials to microbial growth. Microbial growth on polymer building composites renders the materials discoloured cracked; and it also causes loss in mechanical properties of material. Present work investigated best formulation of PVC (Poly Vinyl Chloride) composites blended with residual materials such as lignin. Four different types of plasticizers and three different types of lignins are used in PVC composite formulations. The spore suspension of five different fungal species was used to inoculate the series of vinyl formulations blended without lignin and with lignin. The specimens were kept for an incubation period of 28 days under the most favourable conditions for fungal growth. After fungal attack the specimens were studied under microscope to analyze the changes at the surface and tested for mechanical and thermal properties. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)...