Why switch from traditional biocides?
Zooming in on the culprits Some aerobic bacteria and spores produce a mucus layer or capsule around cells. The layer consists of polysaccharides and protects the cell against harmful conditions such as variations in temperature, pH, and lack of nutrients. However, slime is known to attach easily to hard surfaces and form deposits. Since fine fibers and colloidal particles adhere to the biofilm and contribute to rapid growth of deposits, papermakers have turned to a range of biocides over the years, and produced positive results, but also some obstacles for themselves. Typically, oxidizing biocides (such as hypochlorous acid [HOCl], hypobromous acid [HOBr], equilibrium peracetic acid and ClO2) and non-oxidizing biocides (such as isothiazolines, glutaraldehyde, and acetophenones) have been employed to control the growth of microorganisms. Properties of ClO2 Chlorine dioxide is a clear to pale green gas that is highly soluble and hydrolyzes very slowly. The gas or water solution cannot be
