Protecting products and assets from tiny microscopic organisms, will forever be an important role of paint and construction materials formulators. A small nutrient source (any carbon compound will do), a little hydration, and some favorable environmental conditions, and boom! Unwanted microbes move-in, multiply, and spoil your product the the blink of an eye. Down-time, frustrations, added waste… (do we have to mention cost?).

Microorganisms don’t need much to thrive. With very few exceptions, microorganisms isolated from industrial products have simple nutritional requirements and do not have obligate requirements for growth factors such as vitamins. Members of the genus Pseudomonas are frequent causes of industrial spoilage and are able to utilize over 2000 separate carbon compounds as primary sources of energy and carbon. Add the fact that bacteria thrives in average temperatures between 20 – 35˚C and pH ranges of 4.5 – 9.5; your water-based paint production line with surfactants and polymers, is a welcoming breeding ground for these destructive little microbes.
The science is well known and many preventative products and methods are utilized by paint manufacturers today. The challenge is: how can you optimize your microbial prevention plan to be the most effective while ensuring human health, minimizing environmental impact, and remain cost competitive?
An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure
Antimicrobial Performance Additives
Plant Hygiene
Cost effective use of biocides requires laboratory optimization coupled with proper plant hygiene. A well designed plan requires simplicity for execution. Try these products from Arxada to optimize your biocide package and ensure your plant and products’ integrity.
REPUTAIN™ D20 Antimicrobial
20% 2,2-Dibromo-3-nitrilopropionamide (DBNPA) Antimicrobial
REPUTAIN™ D20 Antimicrobial, is a fast acting biocide that may be used to reduce microbiological contamination in raw materials and/or products such as aqueous paints and coatings, polymers, slurries, adhesives, latex and resin emulsions, sizing, caulk, process water, along with specialty industrial products including inks, polishes, waxes, detergents, and cleansers.
- Very fast rate of kill
- Good handling profile
- Indirect food approval
- Low VOC
- Good track record for compatibility
- Short half life seen as a positive
REPUTAIN™ B30 Antimicrobial
2-Bromo-2-nitro-1,3-propanediol (BNP; Bronopol)
REPUTAIN™ B30 Antimicrobial is a liquid microbiocide for use in controlling the growth of bacteria and algae in industrial applications, and as a preservative to inhibit bacterial spoilage during manufacture, distribution, use and storage of industrial products.
- Non-formaldehyde mechanism
- Rapid rate of kill; good anti-bacterial effect
- Good compatibility with other ingredients
- Good handling profile
- Worldwide regulatory support, including indirect food approval
In-Can Preservation
The final step in ensuring good plant hygiene and prevention against microbial attack is to optimize the preservative system for your final product.
Proxel BZ Plus Preservative
1,2-Benzisothiazolin-3-one & zinc 2-pyridine-thiol-1-oxide
Proxel BZ Plus Preservative is a blend of two active agents with very different modes of action making it particularly effective in preserving a wide range of industrial aqueous based products from bacterial and fungal spoilage. High solids formulations are especially prone to fungal contamination and cannot be suitably controlled by bactericides. Proxel BZ Plus Preservative is effective against both bacteria and fungi and will prevent growth of even high concentrations of fungal organisms.
- Effective control of a wide range of bacterial and fungal organisms at economic concentrations
- Long-term storage stability
- Ease of use due to its liquid form
- Excellent compatibility in most aqueous systems
Need More Ideas for your Project?
Problem to Solve > Microbial Growth
- Key Raw Materials
- Starting Point Formulas
- Chemist Collaboration
Have Questions? We’re here to help!
