Plastics & non-porous surfaces
Standard / Test method
DIN EN ISO 846
Assessment of the action of microorganisms on plastics in accordance with DIN EN ISO 846.
Overview
DIN EN ISO 846 describes standardised test methods for assessing the action of fungi and bacteria on plastics.
Depending on the selected method, the tests assess resistance to microbial attack or fungistatic effects.
Methods A, B or C can be selected according to the testing objective. Evaluation depends on the selected method and the agreed testing scope. For fungal tests, this includes visual assessment of growth on or near the test specimens.
Depending on your testing objective, sample type, sample size, contact time or requested test strains, we can assess whether project-specific adaptations to the test design are appropriate.
Typical applications
Plastics development
Assessment of plastics and material formulations for resistance to microbial attack or fungistatic effects.
Material resistance
Testing the resistance of plastics to microorganisms or determining their fungistatic effects, depending on the selected method.
Product qualification
Comparison of materials for applications with demanding requirements for resistance to microbial attack.
Frequently asked questions
What does DIN EN ISO 846 assess?
The standard assesses the action of fungi and bacteria on plastics. Depending on the selected method, it can be used to evaluate resistance to microbial attack or fungistatic effects.
What is the difference between methods A, B and C?
Method A assesses fungal growth on plastics and their resistance to fungal attack. Method B determines fungistatic effects. Method C investigates resistance to bacteria under defined test conditions.
What is the difference between DIN EN ISO 846 and ASTM G21?
ASTM G21 assesses the resistance of synthetic polymeric materials to fungi. DIN EN ISO 846 also includes methods for determining fungistatic effects and assessing the action of bacteria on plastics.
Which materials are suitable for DIN EN ISO 846 testing?
The standard is suitable for plastics and polymeric materials with an even surface that can be readily cleaned, including materials with antimicrobial treatments. Suitability depends on the material properties and the selected test method.