Fungus compliance testing evaluates materials subjected to fungal conditions. As a certified military testing lab, we realize the importance of systemic fungal infection testing. Meeting the MIL-810 test requirements can be difficult. Keystone understands the challenges and guides companies through the process.
Keystone provides the peace of mind that all of your needs will be met. We are in constant communication throughout the entire test process. Our proven process helps avoid product launch delays. Keystone Compliance partners with customers to achieve MIL-STD-810 product compliance. Keystone Compliance creates an accurate test plan to eliminate expensive over-testing. Our accurate test reports are delivered quickly.
Request a quote to learn why we are one of the fastest growing compliance test labs in the country. Ready to get started? We are. Contact us to see why so many companies work with us to achieve their military standard testing needs.
The Importance of MIL-STD 810 Fungus Compliance Testing
The purpose of the MIL-STD-810, standard fungus method 508 test, is to assess the susceptibility of materials to fungal growth. Another purpose is to determine if the materials or the assembled combination of the same will support fungal growth.
Where possible, this method is also used to identify dominant species present, how rapidly fungus will grow on the material, how fungus may affect the material, if the material/test results can be stored effectively and if there is a simple cleaning process.
Since microbial deterioration is a function of temperature and humidity, and is an inseparable condition of the hot, humid environment and the mid-latitudes tropics, consider it in the design of all standard, general-purpose material. This method is used to determine if fungal growth will occur and how it may degrade/impact the use of the material.
Keystone Compliance is a fully equipped Fungus and military standard testing lab with experience with MIL-810 Fungus Compliance testing 508. The following information contains the MIL-810 standard testing language and summary from MIL-STD 810 Fungus lab testing.
How Method 508 MIL-STD Fungus Compliance Testing Affects Products
Fungal growth impairs the functioning or use of material by changing its physical properties. When considering this method, first review the effects of fungal growth below.
Direct attack on materials –
- Natural materials
- Cellulosic materials
- Animal and vegetable based adhesives
- Grease, oils and many hydrocarbons
- Leather
- Synthetic materials
- PVC formulations
Indirect attack on materials –
- Fungal growth on surface deposits of dust, grease, perspiration, and other contaminants causes damage to the underlying material, even though that material may be resistant to direct attack.
- Metabolic waste products excreted by fungus cause corrosion of metals, etching of glass, or sustaining degradation of plastics and other materials.
- The product of fungus on adjacent materials that are susceptible to direct attack come in contract with the resistant materials.
Physical interference can occur while fungi form undesirable electrical conducting oaths across insulating materials. For example, interference may adversely affect the electrical characteristics of critically adjusted electronic circuits. Lastly, fungus on material can cause physiological problems such as allergies or be so aesthetically unpleasant that the users will be reluctant to use the material.
Information on the Testing
Luckily, the 810-test, Fungus Method 508 only has one procedure since the combination of temperature and humidity is critical to microbial growth. It is essential that these be maintained as specified in the procedure. However, other possible MIL-STD 810 lab variations are described below.
Test Duration – 28 days is the minimal test period to allow for fungus germination, breakdown of carbon-containing molecules, and degradation of material. Indirect effects and physical interference are not likely to occur. However, consider extending the exposure period to 84 days if a greater degree of certainty is required.
Choice of Fungus – The Fungi used for this test are listed in the table below. These organisms were selected because of their ability to degrade materials. They have been identified with respect to the materials to which they are known to attack. This MIL-STD 810 Compliance Test does not recommend the substitution of species.
|
FUNGUS |
FUNGUS SOURCES IDENTIFICATION NO.1 |
MATERIALS AFFECTED |
||
|
NRRL2 |
USDA3
|
ATCC4 |
||
|
Aspergillus flavus (Aflotoxin not produced) |
NRRL A5244 |
QM 380 |
ATCC 9643 |
Leathers, textiles, rubber. Electrical insulation, varnish, wax, packing materials, etc. |
|
Trichoderma virens |
NRRL 2314 |
QM 365
|
ATCC 9645 |
Degrades adhesives, cork, automotive components, electrical insulation, packing materials, plastics, polymers. |
|
Talaromyces pinophilus (pinofilum) (formerly known as Penicillium funiculosum) |
NRRL 3647 |
QM 474 |
ATCC 11797 |
Textiles, plastics, cotton fabric, polymers, automotive components such as gaskets, distributors, cables, hoses, PVC, airborne equipment such as breakers, solenoids, switches, remote transmission accessories |
|
Chaetomium globosum |
NRRL 1870 |
QM 459
|
ATCC 6205 |
Cellulose and any components containing paper and paper products such as packing materials, textiles, polymeric hydrocarbons and some synthetic polymeric materials |
|
Aspergillus brasiliensis (formerly known as niger) |
NRRL 3536 |
QM 386 |
ATCC 9642 |
Textiles, vinyl, conformal coatings, etches glass, insulation, leather, etc.; resistant to tanning salts |
Limitations of Test Method 508 Fungus Test
Consider the limitations of the MIL-810 fungus test to tailor and determine where fungal growth is anticipated within the material life cycle. This MIL-STD 810 test method is not intended for but may be used to test basic materials since various other test procedures, including pure culture, mixed culture, and plate testing are available.
Keystone Compliance Provides MIL-STD-810 Fungus Testing Services
Keystone has a full lab of test equipment which permits us to provide short lead times on scheduling. In addition to MIL-STD-810 testing, Keystone has a full scope of expertise including humidity, immersion, rain, and sand and dust.
Our team strives to give our customers more time and energy on product development instead of testing. Request a quote to see why so many companies work with us to achieve their military standard testing needs.