Protection of natural composite against mould fungi

Protection of natural composite against mould fungi. The paper presents the antifungal research conducted on composites with a polymeric matrix made of polyethylene (PEHD) and filled by flax shives. The composites were modified by ionic liquid, which belongs to quaternary ammonium salts, for obtaining antimicrobial barrier. The susceptibility of composites to biodeterioration was tested in accordance with EN ISO 846 Standard. Microbial resistance was tested for action of fungi mixture, e.g. to Chaetomium globosum, Aspergillus niger, Paecilomyces variotii, Penicillium funiculosum, and Gliocladium virens. Antifungal activity evaluation was done by determining the degree of fungi growth on the surface of the tested polymer composite, effect of mould fungi action on the mass change, the tensile strength and Young’s Modulus.