What is mould?
Moulds (molds) are fungi. A mould obtains its food from the material it grows on and in so doing degrades that material. Moulds are widespread in many environments and can be classified as microorganisms because they are too small to be seen with the unaided eye until they grow as colonies which are commonly seen as downy or furry coatings covering affected surfaces. It is these colonies that produce the characteristic musty odour of mould because they release spores into the air. The production of spores allows the mould to spread.
The problem of mould
Mould can be a major problem in environments where its growth has a damaging effect on the materials it contaminates. Examples of environments adversely affected by mould growth include building and construction, agriculture and healthcare. The range of natural and man-made materials affected by mould attack is diverse.
Particular manufactured materials are commonly associated with mould growth. For example, plasterboard and wood-based material such as medium-density fibreboard (MDF) have high affinities for moisture which can promote the growth of mould leading to damage. This fungal damage requires replacement of the affected product with new material which can be time consuming and expensive.
Because mould is naturally widespread it is difficult to prevent the contamination of materials by spores. One strategy to combat the damaging effect of mould growth is the incorporation of agents into materials that actively resist the growth of mould.
BioCote® antimould technology
Various chemical agents have been recognised as possessing powerful antimicrobial abilities. The term antimicrobial indicates an agent is effective against a range of microorganisms, including moulds. BioCote® antimicrobial (antimould) technology utilises the antimicrobial power of these agents incorporating them into the substance of a product during its manufacture. BioCote will provide the manufacturer with the antimould agent that is most appropriate for their product(s).
How BioCote® technology inhibits mould
Different antimould agents act in different ways. Because there is a range of agents BioCote provides for antimould protection there is no single mode of action that describes BioCote® antimould technology. In general, antimould agents prevent mould from growing by damaging their cellular structure and interfering with their normal chemical processes.
