Bacteria & Fungi Growth
Siftex products do not support the growth of common bacteria and fungi.
In December 2007, various Siftex products were tested to determine if they would support the growth of bacteria and fungi according to ASTM criteria. ASTM G21-96 (2002), Standard Practice for Determining Resistance of Synthetic Polymeric Materials to Fungi, and ASTM G22-76 (1996) Standard Practice for Determining Resistance of Plastics to Bacteria were the basis for the testing.
In this process: 
Petri dishes were filled with nutrient Agar conditioned with 1% Maltose
Siftex product samples were placed in the center of each Petri dish.
|
White FDA Natural Gum Rubber |
Clear-Flex™ Polyurethane |
|
White FDA Neoprene Rubber |
040 SeeFlex Polyurethane |
|
Woven PTFE Fabric |
PTFE Crossfilm Laminate Sheet |
|
868 B Dacron Polyester |
Cordura Nylon |
Around the periphery of each dish the following fungi and bacteria
were introduced into the Agar, away from the product sample
1. Fungi:
a. Saprolegnia Tube CK
b. Rhizopus Stolonifer +
c. Sordaria Fimicola WT
d. Coprinus Cinereus
2. Bacteria:
a. Bacillus Subtilis
b. Micrococcus Luteus
c. Rhodospirill Rubrum
The Petri dishes were kept covered at 95°F for 21 days.
After 21 days each sample was inspected to determine if any of the cultures attacked (grew upon) the product.