Fungus Testing Capabilities at Keystone Compliance

Fungus testing is performed within one of our environmental chambers. Keystone Compliance works with an independent Micro-Biologist for the growth, cultivation, and application of fungal spores. Testing takes place at our facility within one of our environmental chambers. Temperature and humidity requirements are maintained within the tight tolerances allowable by the appropriate test specification. Fungal growth coupons are supplied by Keystone Compliance and growth of fungus on the test coupons is assured by the microbiologist.

Fungus Testing Equipment at Keystone Compliance

Keystone Compliance provides the environmental chamber and monitoring equipment for fungus testing. An independent Microbiologist supplies the fungal spore, verifies fungal growth on the control coupons, and makes the final determination of growth support by the test article.

Fungus Testing Overview

Fungus testing, per MIL-STD 810 Method 508.5, determines the ability of products to operate in warm, humid environments. The purpose of most fungus tests is to assess the extent to which material will support fungal growth and how any fungal growth may affect performance or use of the material. The primary objectives of the fungus test are to determine:

    • if the materials comprising the material, or the assembled combination of same, will support fungal growth, and if so, of what species.
    • how rapidly fungus will grow on the material.
    • how fungus affects the material, its mission, and its safety for use following the growth of fungus on the material.
    • if the material can be stored effectively in a field environment.
    • if there are simple reversal processes, e.g., wiping off fungal growth.

Fungal growth can impair the functioning or use of material by changing its physical properties. The effects of fungus growth are:

    • Direct attack on materials
      • Indirect attack on materials
      • Detrimental
    • Physical Interference
    • Health Factors
    • Aesthetic Factors

Fungus Testing Specifications

ASTM G21, 22 Resistance of polymeric materials to fungi/bacteria
ASTM D3273
MIL-STD-810F Method 508.5 Fungus testing
RTCA/DO 160
GR-487-CORE
FED STD 191 Mildew resistance
TAPPI 487CM Fungus resistance of paper and paperboard
Telcordia