Biocide

 BIOCIDE PACKAGING

BIOCIDE

What is a Biocide?

Biocides and cidal substances are chemicals that act functionally in industry and many areas of life to kill, destroy, or neutralize molds, insects, microbes, and harmful biological agents.

The choice of which biocide to use depends on the intended application, the type of surface it will be used on, and the type of microorganisms present.

If biocides are not used, it will lead to bacterial growth in the system. The use of biocides ensures the protection of the system from biological infestation and allows it to operate without problems.

How to Choose a Biocide?

The selection of this chemical is determined almost entirely by its intended use and application, which will define the biocide's area of use and function. In other words, it is directly related to the structure of the system where it will be used, the nature of the water, and the area it will affect.

The user applying the product must definitely consider the opinions of the manufacturer and technically knowledgeable experts regarding the form and properties of the biocide.

What are the Types of Biocides?

All biocides are evaluated in 5 main groups within the framework of their chemical effect, i.e., their function (the killing action they can perform).

1. Biocides Acting on Algae and Antifouling Agents;

These raw materials are biocides designed to prevent the formation of algae in the system or in water. To prevent the growth, proliferation, or formation of algae caused by water accumulation, antioxidant chemicals are added to marine paints.

They are among the most commonly used substances in industry.

2. Fungicides and Fungicidal Biocides;

These types of raw materials are biocides designed to prevent the formation and growth of fungi. The use of these biocides destroys and prevents fungi that are harmful to the system.

3. Antimicrobial Agent or Germicide Category Biocides;

These types are effective in killing smaller microorganisms such as viruses, bacteria, protozoa, and other different microbes. They are biocides that target to kill some microbes or specific classes of microbes.

4. Herbicide Type Biocides;

Also known as defoliants. They are generally applied to plants. These types have the effect of eliminating the growth of unwanted vegetation. They also have the potential to destroy beneficial vegetation. Therefore, this type must be used with extremely specific applications.

5. Virucidal Biocides;

These are chemicals that have the effect of killing viruses.

6. Bacterial Agents and Bactericidal Biocides;

Used to prevent the proliferation and formation of bacteria.

7. Insecticides and Insecticide Category Biocides;

These are biocides designed to kill insects and prevent the growth of pests.

What are the Product Forms of Biocides?

The form of the biocide to be used in the application area is one of the most important features in the selection of this raw material.

We can consider it as the physical form, state, and consistency of a biocide product. Here, the biocide affects the integration of system tools.

The Forms of Biocides are as Follows;

• Liquid or Solution Form
• Colloidal (Suspended) or Dispersion Form
• Powder Form
• Bulk Solid or Granules Form

The biocide form is the layer at which a product or service is purchased. The biocide industry initially consists of manufacturers of active ingredients. Some types are biocides formed from simple solutions of some oxidizing chemicals.

The second tier of the industry consists of biocide suppliers who prepare formulations by mixing active ingredients with other additives or carrier fluid chemicals.

The final stage of the industry consists of expert individuals and organizations who do not sell any product to end-users but provide comprehensive consultancy services in the water treatment sector.

What are the Properties of Biocides?

Since biocides have a wide variety of properties and very different effects, biocide users should be aware of their characteristics. These properties of biocides are based on the microbiological structure and chemistry of the interacting substances.

Density, Melting Point, Boiling Point, Solubility: Varies depending on the type of biocide used.

We can detail the properties of biocides as follows;

Efficacy;

This property describes the ability to kill bacteria. These criteria are listed as follows.

• Minimum Concentration; The concentration of a biocide in a specific solution that ensures the killing of unwanted microorganisms.
• Contact Time (Effective Time); This property includes the contact time with the contaminant for the disinfection process.
• pH (system); It is evaluated as the acidity or alkalinity of the liquid in which it will be used. This is because each biocide has a pH range where it is most effective. Outside this pH range, a weakening in biocidal activity may be observed.
• Reactive Chemicals Within the System; Biocides are affected by elements, chemicals, oxidizers, reducers, and other reactive chemicals used in product manufacturing that are present in the process fluid where the biocide will be used. For example, surfactants.
• It is used to prevent bacteria and mold that form in diffusion units in sugar factories.

Safety;

This explains how safely it can be used. The safety features are as follows.

• Toxicity; Determined by the measure of a biocide's lethal or poisonous nature.
• Neutralization Requirements; Methods used to eliminate the effects of biocides used in a system or to neutralize the biocide.
• Environmental Discharge; The amount of biocide released into the environment during its use.

Compatibility;

This covers the properties that explain how easily the biocide can be integrated with system fluids.

• Solubility; How much biocide can be dissolved in a specific liquid in the area of use.
• pH; Based on the acidity or alkalinity of the chemical. Extreme changes in the biocide's pH can have adverse effects on different parts of the system.
• Total Dissolved Solids (TDS); The amount of solid matter that determines how the solids present in the process fluid and the biocide material function within the solution.

Handling;

This covers the physical parameters under which biocides are stored, transported, and used. These physical methods are as follows.

• Freezing Point; Stated as the temperature at which a liquid material solidifies.
• Thermal Stability; Determines the rate of material degradation with increasing temperature. Biocides with high thermal stability in the working environment can be effective at high temperatures with even a small decrease in efficacy.
• Corrosivity; The amount of chemical degradation caused by the biocide.
• Shelf Life; The maximum period a biocide can be stored before its functional properties deteriorate.

Before using a biocide in your work area, definitely seek support from relevant experts. As O Kimya, our company provides Consultancy and Product supply to large industrial companies and organizations.

What Factors Affect Biocide Prices?

Biocide prices have been increasing for a long time. With the development of industrial manufacturing and increased urbanization, the use of biocides has also increased intensely. Therefore, the price has increased in line with consumption.

The price of a biocide is directly linked to the prices of the chemical substances used in its production. As the price of the chemicals used in production increases, the price of the biocide will also increase.

The price of a biocide also depends on the quantity used. As the quantity increases, the unit price will decrease.

Companies that sell biocides control the prices. If stocks are high, the price of this chemical will remain at a reasonable level.