Kinetics of Bacterial Survival on Polymer Coatings with Particular Reference to Indoor Air Quality

The goal of the present study was to assess the bactericidal properties of various polyester coatings (PES) with and without anti-bacterial additives such as silver or polymer compounds. Under the experimental conditions used, the release of anti-bacterial additives was not an appreciable factor. The survival rate of Enterococcus faecalis mainly depended on environmental factors such as the relative humidity and the presence of nutrients. Based on the experimental points and the mathematics of disinfection, it was possible to model the survival kinetics of airborne bacteria after settling on polymer coatings. On clean materials, the coatings displayed an anti-bacterial property. Nevertheless, this was not sufficient, first, to ensure hygiene and indoor air quality and, secondly, to be adapted in domestic appliances or in hospitals. Indeed, most of the bacterial population still survived after several days' exposure. This weak effect of the anti-bacterial additives could be explained by their accessibility at the coating/bacteria interface.