Resistance to molds of flax-fiber based materials

Abstract

In the present study, the prepared covering material based on flax fibers containing caffeine, nano-copper, or corundum (Al2O3) as a potential biocidal substance was prepared and tested on biological resistance. Two experimental designs were performed: a) the samples were placed in a desiccator at the air humidity of about 90 % and at a temperature of 25 °C for one month. The samples were then transferred to sterile agar and the coverage of the agars and the samples with molds were observed after a week of incubation. All samples were found to be infected. The samples containing copper were the least resistant. b) The samples were placed on sterile agar and the petri dishes were subjected to the fallout method, where both the samples and the agars were insulted by mold spores from the air. The Petri dishes with the samples were then placed in a thermostat in the dark at 25 °C for a week. After the end of the exposure, the samples and agars were observed. The samples were covered by molds with an increasing intensity in the following rank: caffeine sample = corundum sample < Cu sample = control sample = pure flax fibers.