composite materials, caustic magnesite, wood fillers, caustic magnesite composites, strength, filamentous fungi, fungistatic and fungicidal properties, bioresistance coefficient, Biotechnology, TP248.13-248.65

During their usage, caustic magnesite composites are susceptible to aggressive microbial action. This paper investigated the resistance of wood-filled caustic magnesite composites in a standard filamentous fungi medium. Caustic magnesite composites based on caustic magnesite, filled with wood sawdust from lime, ash, pine, and aspen trees were studied. The compositions were cured using magnesium chloride. The findings showed that composites filled with fine-fraction wood powders exhibited improved strength and resistance properties of caustic magnesite. If this requirement is met, then optimal conditions are created for the formation of an improved matrix in composites with filler and film phase. Tests in the standard medium showed that wood-filled caustic magnesite composites were fungistatic, but not fungicidal. This means that in case of external contamination, wood-filled caustic magnesite composites are susceptible to biodegradation. Tests demonstrated that exposure to the standard fungal medium resulted in an increased mass content and decreased strength of the samples.