fungus resistant gaskets

fungus resistant gaskets

At NEDC we cut a lot of unique materials. One of the more common materials NEDC cuts is fungus-resistant gasketing materials. Nowadays, a lot of people recognize that fungal growth should be a concern when building assemblies. This is well documented because designers know that optical systems, and electronic systems can be susceptible to this if not handled properly. As a result, having fungus resistant gasketing materials is of huge importance. Generally, synthetic polymers are fungus resistant. However, the additives to make the finished product may not always be.

The Specifications for Fungus Resistance

There are two specifications that are used for testing fungus resistance in the gasketing industry. The first is ASTM G21. The second is MIL-STD-810 Method 508. However, it is good to note there is some overlap in the specifications. For example, some of the growth criteria are similar, the duration is similar, among other similarities. The requirement in the specifications details what type of fungi, the humidity, procedure, and other factors. In addition, the specification details out 4 levels of microbial growth:

Amount of Growth Rating Comments in MIL-STD-810 Method 508 Revision G Comments in ASTM G21-2015
None 0 Substrate is devoid of microbial growth.  None, No growth visible
Trace 1 Scattered, sparse or very restricted microbial growth.  Less than 10%, Trace Growth
Light 2 Intermittent infestations or loosely spread microbial colonies on substrate surface. Includes continuous filamentous growth extending over the entire surface, but underlying surfaces are still visible.  10-30%, Light Growth
Medium 3 Substantial amount of microbial growth. Substrate may exhibit visible structural change. 30-60%, Medium Growth
Heavy 4 Massive microbial growth 60% to complete coverage, heavy growth

How is Fungus Resistance Requirements called out?

In regards to MIL-STD-810 Method 508, most times the fungus resistant requirement is called out through a bigger specification. These specifications oftentimes are ASTM D2000, or ASTM D1056. Both standards do not have a specific suffix to call out specifically fungus resistance, but normally use the Z suffix to call out the requirement. Typically this looks something like ASTM D2000 M2BC 610 A14 B14 C12 F17 Z1, Z1= Fungus Resistance per MIL-STD-810 Method 508. It is good to note that while many materials do not support fungus resistant growth, testing should be required to ensure that is true. Generally, EPDM(ethylene propylene) and Neoprene(chloroprene) are the polymers that we see utilized for fungus resistance in the gasketing industry.

Availability of Fungus Resistant Gasketing

Poron® products are tested under ASTM G21:

PORON® 4701-30 (very-soft), PORON® 4701-40(soft), PORON® 4701-50(firm), PORON® 4701-60(very-firm)

In regards to products tested per MIL-STD-810 Method 508, this manufacturer usually sees those in more conventional rubber like materials such as Neoprene or EPDM rubber/sponges.

NEDC die-cuts and waterjet-cuts fungus resistant materials such as rubber. For more information on fungus resistant materials please contact sales@nedc.com

 

MIL-STD-810 Method 508 Download

ASTM G21 must be purchased from American Society for Testing and Materials

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