The use of biocides in plastics is commonplace. They are added to protect the plastic from degradation by microbes or to provide an external antimicrobial hygienic surface.

Biocides are selected on the basis of their function and the application for which they are intended, but choosing the right biocide is often not so simple. As well as biocidal performance, the in-process stability, migration, leachability, light and heat stability may all be important factors.

This Rapra Review Report examines the use of biocides in plastics with reference to material types and application requirements. The commonly available biocides are reviewed and details of their strengths and weaknesses are provided. The author reviews the frequently used test methods for fungi and bacteria, and, in an ever-changing regulatory environment, explores the influence of legislation on the current and future use of such biocides.

This report will be of interest to biocide suppliers and plastic product manufacturers, and to all professionals requiring information on biocide chemistry and application.

This detailed and state-of-the-art review is supported by an indexed section containing several hundred key references and abstracts selected from the Polymer Library.