by Irina VOINTSEVA, Dr. Sc. (Chem.), senior researcher,A. Nesmeyanov Institute of Hetero-Organic Compounds, RAS; Genrich TSEITLIN, Dr. Sc. (Chem.), Head of Chair of Chemistry and Polymer Film-Forming Materials; Russian Chemical- Technological University named after D. Mendeleyev; Olga SKOROKHODOVA, Cand. Sc. (Tech.), Director of EVTMA firm Fighting microbes causing dangerous infections in people and animals has been, and remains, one of the most "ancient" and vital areas of research. Concerning what we call "biological damage" to materials and equipment it is caused by various bacteria and viruses and also fungi, algae, and molluscs which are present in vast amounts in our environment. Given favourable conditions, they can change, often beyond recognition, the appearance and physical-mechanical properties of materials lacking "biological resistance". The targets of such damage in building construction, for example, are wood, bricks, masonry, concrete, metal and polymer articles. Damage to their surface caused by mold, nitrifying and thionic bacteria manifests itself in the form of powder-like coatings, pigmentation, swelling, peeling and scaling off of paint and plastering. The main method of prevention consists in the use of water solutions of desinfectants (chloractive, Pages. 18 Disinfection of surfaces by INTERCIDE varnish (1) as compared with control samples (2) at the Research Institute of Transplantology of the RF Ministry of Health. phenolic, ammonium and such like compounds). These help reduce by 93 - 97 percent bacterial "pollution" of surfaces. However, as often as not, the contamination is restored in a matter of 3 to 4 hours and almost at the original level. PAINT-AND-VARNISH MATERIALS WITH BIOCIDAL ADDITIONS The main requirements for biocidal compounds are high efficiency at low concentrations, broad spectrum of applications and low toxicity for warm-blooded organisms. These substances should also be colorless, non-volatile, fit for storage ... Read more