Microbial Degradation of Polymeric Coatings for Aircraft
Abstract
We studied the microbial degradation of polyurethane top-coatings in the absence of Cr(VI). We have shown, using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (ElS), that these polymers degrade in the presence of the ambient microflora. As a next step in our investigation, we initiated enrichment cultures in order to isolate and cultivate microorganisms capable of utilizing polyurethane as a sole source of carbon and energy. Degradation of polyurethane coating polymers was achieved after four months of incubation in one of our cultures incubated with microorganisms commonly found in the ambient environment. Two bacteria were isolated from one of our enrichment cultures. They were characterized both biochemically and genetically.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2000
- Accession Number
- ADA379906
Entities
People
- Ralph Mitchell
Organizations
- Harvard University