Mikrobielle Werkstoffzerstörung – Schadensfälle und Gegenmaßnahmen: Allgemeine Schutzmaßnahmen vor biogener Materialzerstörung

Microbial deterioration of materials – case histories and countermeasures: General measures for protection against biogenic destruction of materials Many materials are adversely affected or even destroyed by microorganisms. In the cases where the causes of biogenic damage are known, specific protective measures can be taken. Depending on the material in question, these measures can be of a constructional, physical or chemical nature, and all three procedures are frequently used in combination. Constructional measures are to be found in the “buildings” sector. Examples to be mentioned are water being led off at windows and buildings being ventilated in order to prevent mould invasion in particular. Treating surfaces by applying adhesive coatings or water-repellent products can prevent attack by microorganisms on e.g. wood and metals. Physical measures are also used in protecting buildings. In addition to insulating the building, which then has few bridges of heat, the sorption behaviour of the surfaces and the heat transfer coefficients on the surfaces also influence the growth conditions for microorganisms. Materials with a high sorption capacity have particularly adverse effects on poorly insulated buildings. As chemical protective measures, use is made of preservatives and products for microbistatic treatment and also impregnating agents. These measures are applied in the paint, paper, and wood industries, among others. In addition, the choice of raw materials and the use of “rot-proof” materials in textiles and plastics can reduce microorganism-induced biodegradability and, thus, prolong the life. Not least, on the majority of production sites good production hygiene is urgently necessary as a concomitant measure.