Formulators used formaldehyde-releasing chemistries (FAR) for ages to provide the required level of protection and prevent viscosity drops over time. The drastic viscosity drops occur as a result of microbial contamination and degradation of organic compounds over time.
The good news, formaldehyde-releasing biocides are no longer the only effective option for your tape joints and sealant formulations.
Evaluations of
BIOBAN™ BTCM, the new dual-active preservative from LANXESS, formerly manufactured by DuPont, demonstrated excellent antimicrobial efficacy and provided advanced in-can protection to tape joint formulations against bacteria and fungi while retaining the desired viscosity over time.
BIOBAN™ BTCM is a dual-active in-can preservative that is based on a combination of two active ingredients, Benzisothiazolinone (BIT) and Methylchloroisothiazolinone / Methylisothiazolinone (CMIT/MIT). It provides both short and long-term preservation for ultimate protection and enhanced formulation flexibility.
A 12-week study was conducted, tracking viscosity changes in tape joint compound samples treated with four different formaldehyde-releasing preservatives. In addition,
BIOBAN™ BTCM preservative and an unpreserved control sample were evaluated at multiple concentrations.
Testing Results: Samples preserved with formaldehyde-releasing preservatives showed significant drops in viscosity ranging from 9.6% to 45.4%. In contrast, the tape joint compound treated with BIOBAN™ BTCM or the BIT/CMIT/MIT blend at various concentrations did not experience any decreases in viscosity.
Conclusion: Samples treated with BIOBAN™ BTCM did not exhibit viscosity changes
BIOBAN™ BTCM concentrations evaluated were 2,000, 3,000, and 4,000 ppm of the product as supplied.
Percentages of viscosity decreases (Brabender Unit) were observed over 12 weeks in a tape joint compound formulation treated with various preservative products.
Each preservative was evaluated at multiple concentrations across the EPA-approved use range. Percentages of viscosity decrease are averages of the data collected for each sample by comparing time zero- and 12-week data. Time zero occurred within 24 hours of the preservative addition, so any immediate changes in viscosity changes that occurred in less than 24 hours were not recorded.