Harmful microorganisms cause damage to many materials, products and manufactur- ing processes. New microbiocidal compositions for preventing this are needed, espe- cially compositions which are effective at high pH values, i. e. at pH values above 4, and especially from 8 to 12.

Many microbiocidal compositions for combating microorganisms are commercially available. For example, microbicides known to be effective at high pH values are qua- ternary ammonium compounds such as cetyl pyridium chloride, di-N-decyl-dimethyl- ammonium chloride or N-hexadecyl-N, N-trimethylammonium bromide. However, these compounds generate foam and are difficult to handle. Other microbicides exist but are not stable at alkaline pH's, especially around and above 10 and hence are not active, one example being the isothiazolone family.

For many years, it has been known (e. g. disclosed by DE-A 10 24 743) that metal salts, such as Ca-, Ba-, Al-, Pb-, Ag-, Cu-, Fe-, Ni-, or Zn-salts of N-alkyl-N-nitrohydroxyl- amines (also referred to as N'-hydroxy-N-alkyl diazenium oxides) are effective for in- hibiting fungal growth.

DE-A 36 05 008 and DE-A 36 39 063 disclose the use of the Cu-salt of N'-hydroxy-N- cyclohexyidiazenium oxide (CuHDO) for the protection of wood.

EP-A 358 072 discloses a method of controlling organisms which grow under moist conditions, such as algae and lichen, by treatment with certain metal salts, notably copper, aluminum or tin salts, or amine salts of N'-hydroxy-N-cyclohexyldiazenium ox- ide. The biocidal active component may be incorporated directly into a polymer matrix, such as a polymer foil, or may be added to aqueous or organic solvent based media to be protected, such as paints, especially antifouiing paints. EP-A 358 072 also discloses to use mixtures of said biocidal components together with other biocides, however, no specific examples are disclosed.

All of the above documents are concerned with controlling, i. e. preventing the growth of, microorganisms.

We have found surprisingly that bacteria, mould, yeast and algae can be killed by the application there of, specifically, the copper salt of N'-hydroxy-N-cyclohexyl-diazenium oxide (CuHDO).

More surprisingly we found the CuHDO prepared in-situ i. e. within the application ex- hibits an improved effect as compared to pre-prepared CuHDO.

We also found surprisingly that a mixture of CuHDO with any of a wide range of other biocides may exhibit an improved effect against a broad spectrum of microorganisms.

According to a first aspect, the invention provides the use, for combating and/or killing bacteria, yeast/mould and algae in industrial materials and/or industrial processes and manufacturing, of a composition comprising CuHDO salt and a diluent.

According to a second aspect, the invention provides the use, for combating microor- ganisms of a composition comprising (A) CuHDO and (B) another additional microbi- cidally active component selected from a range of compounds given below. Such use may result in the killing of the microorganisms.

The CuHDO used in course of the present invention may be pre-prepared as known in the art, i. e. prepared, stored, and used later.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the CuHDO used is in-situ, formed using a water-soluble salt of N'-hydroxy-N-cyclohexyldiazenium oxide and a Cu-containing salt, i. e. the active component is generated directly within the application For the case CuHDO is used together with another microbicidal component (B) the range of compounds from which component (B) is selected is as follows : 1. Alcohols, including halogenated alcohols.

2. Isothiazolones.

3. Activated halogen compounds.

4. Formaldehyde release compounds.

5. Phenolic compounds.

6. Aldehydes.

7. Acids and esters.

8. Biphenyls.

9. Urea derivatives.

10. O-acetals, O-formals.

11. N-acetals, N-formals.

12. Benzamidines.

13. Phthalimides.

14. Pyridine derivatives.

15. Quaternary ammonium and phosphonium compounds.

16. Amines.

17. Amphoteric compounds.

18. Dithiocarbamates.

19. Compounds containing active oxygen such as peroxide.

20. Inorganic salts such as metal oxides.

Such compounds may be present, as component (B), either alone or as a mixture of any of these compounds.

Examples of alcohol compounds which may serve as the microbicidally effective com- ponent (B) are 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1, 3-diol and 2- (hydroxymethyl)-2-nitro-1, 3-pro- panediol. Examples of isothiazolone compounds are 5-chloro-2-methyl-2H-isothiazol- 3-one (CIT), 2-methyl-2H-isothiazol-3-one (MIT), 1, 2-benzisothiazol-3 (2H) -one, 2-n-oc- tyl-2H-isothiazol-3-one, 4, 5-dichloro-2-octyl-2H-isothiazol-3-one and 2-butyl-benzo- [d] isothiazol-3-one and mixtures thereof with one another, including a mixture of CIT with MIT or mixtures of CIT or MIT with any of 1, 2-benzoisothiazol-3 (2H) -one, 2-octyl- 2H-isothiazol-3-one, 4, 5-dichloro-2-octyl-2H-isothiazol-3-one and 2-butyl-benzo [d] iso- thiazol-3-one. Examples of other compounds are dibromodicyanobutane, ß-bromo-ß- nitrostyrene, 7a-ethyidihydro-1H, 3H, 5H-oxazolo [3,4-c] oxazol, tetrahydro-1,3, 4,6-te- trakis (hydroxymethyl)-imidazo [4, 5-d] imidazole-2, 5 (1H, 3H) -dione, 1, 3-dimethyl-5, 5-di- methylhydantoin, diazolidinyl ureas and imidazolidinyl ureas, N'- (3, 4-dichlorophenyl)- N, N-dimethyl urea, 3, 3'-methylenebis (5-methyl-oxazolidine), 2-sodiumsulfidopyridine- N-oxide and its metal salts, dibromonitrilopropionamide, tetrakishydroxymethylphos- phonium salts, ortho-phenylphenol and salts of ortho-phenylphenol, 1- (3-chloroallyl)- 3,5, 7-triaza-1-azodiadamantane salts, (5-chloro-2, 4-dichlorophenoxy) phenol, 3,4, 4'- trichlorocarbanilide (triclocarban), o-benzo-p-chlorophenol, p-hydroxybenzoates, 2- (thiocyanomethylthio) benzothiazole, 3, 5-dimethyl-1, 3,5-thiadiazinane-2-thione, 2,4- dichlorobenzyl alcohol, chlorothalonil, methylenebis (thiocyanate), peracetic acid, 4,4- dimethyl-oxazolidine, phenoxyethanol, phenoxypropanol, 2, 6-dimethyl-m-dioxan-4-ol- acetate, glutaraldehyde, glyoxal, ortho-phthalaldehyde, 4-(2-nitrobutyl)-morpholine, triazines such as 1,3, 5-tris- (2-hydroxyethyl)-1, 3,5-hexahydrotriazine, quaternary am- monium compounds such as benzalkoniumchloride, polyhexamethylenebiguanide salts, poly (oxyethylene (dimethylimino) ethylene (dimethylimino)-ethylene dichloride, chlorhexidine gluconate, chloroisocyanurates, halogenated hydantoins such as 1- bromo-3-chloro-5, 5-dimethylhydantoin and polamines such as polyvinylamine-and polyethylene imine derivatives. Further examples include IPBC, terbutryn, ziram, zineb, dichlofluanid, trichlofuanid, folpet, metal dihexa-2,4-dienoate, tebuconazole, 3-ben- zo (b) thien-2-yl-5, 6-dihydro-1,4, 2-oxathiazine, 4-oxide, pyrithiones, thiram, cybutryne, MBT, carbendazim, diuron, chlorotoluron, fluorometuron, thiabendazole, metazachlor, CuSCN, or dicopper oxide.

Preferred components (B) are 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1, 3-diol, 2-methyl-2H-isothiazol- 3-one, 1, 2-benzisothiazol-3 (2H) -one, 2-n-octyl-2H-isothiazol-3-one, a mixture of 5-chloro-2-methyl-2H-isothiazol-3-one with 2-methyl-2H-isothiazol-3-one, dibromodi- cyanobutane, tetrahydro-1,3, 4,6-tetrakis (hydroxymethyl)-imidazo [4,5-d] imidazole- 2,5 (1H, 3H) -dione, 3, 3'-methylenebis (5-methyl-oxazolidine), 1, 3-dimethyl-5, 5-dimethyl- hydantoin, tetrakishydroxymethylphosphonium salts, ortho-phenylphenol and salts of

ortho-phenylphenol, 1- (3-chloroallyi)-3, 5, 7-triaza-1-azodiadamantane salts, (5-chloro- 2, 4-dichlorophenoxy) phenol, 3,4, 4'-trichlorocarbanilide (triclocarban), p-hydroxy-ben- zoates, 2- (thiocyanomethylthio) benzothiazole, 3, 5-dimethyl-1, 3, 5-thiadiazinane-2- thione, ), iodo-2-propynyibutylcarbamate, 2-sodiumsulfidopyridine-N-oxide and its metal salts, 2, 4-dichlorobenzyl alcohol, chlorothalonil, methylenebis (thiocyanate), phenoxyethanol, phenoxypropanol, triazines such as 1,3, 5-tris- (2-hydroxyethyl)-1, 3,5- hexahydrotriazine, quaternary ammonium compounds such as benzalkoniumchloride, polyhexamethylene biguanide salts, poly (oxyethylene (dimethyimino) ethylene (dimethylimino) ethylene dichloride, chlorhexidine gluconate, chloroisocyanurates and polyvinylamines, especially the polyamines disclosed in WO-A-97/32477.

Surprisingly it was found that CuHDO is especially suitable when applied in combina- tion with 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1, 3-diol, 1, 2-benzisothiazol-3 (2H) -one, 1,3, 5-tris- (2-hydroxyethyl)-1, 3,5-hexahydrotriazine, 5-chloro-2-methyl-2H-isothiazol-3-one, 2-me- thyl-2H-isothiazol-3-one, tetrahydro-1,3, 4,6-tetrakis (hydroxymethyl)-imidazo [4,5-d] imi- azole-2, 5 (2H, 3H) -dione, 1, 3-dimethyl-5, 5-dimethylhydantoin and polyvinylamines, especially a polyamine containing from 80-100%, more preferably 90-98 wt%, vinyl- amine units and from 0 to 20 wt% more preferably, 2-10 wt%, vinyl formamide units.

Most preferably, the component used in combination with CuHDO is stable at high pH values.

As mentioned above, CuHDO, even as the sole microbicidal active component, can be used not only to combat the growth of microorganisms, including viruses but also to kill certain microorganisms, especially fungi, more specifically Aspergillus niger and Chae- tomium globosum, and indeed yeasts, e. g. Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Candida albi- cans and Malassezia furfur, the yeast which causes dandruff, and certain organisms such as Pseudomonas fluorescens, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Alcaligenes faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermis, Corynebacterium xerosis, Propion- bacterium acnes, Pityrosporum ovale, Aspergillus niger, Altemaria alternata, Aspergil- lus versicolor, Aureobasidium pullulans, Cladosporium cladosporioides, Penicillium purpurogenum, Phoma violacea, Rhodotorula rubra, Sporobolomyces roseus, Stachy- botrys chartarum, Ulocladium atrum, Chlorella sp, Pleurococcus sp, Nostoc muscorum, Oscillatoria tenuis, Stichococcus bacillaris, and Trentepohlia aurea.

Indeed, we found surprisingly that CuHDO had a much stronger effect against fungi and algae than had been previously appreciated and is active against a broader spec- trum of microorganisms, especially certain spoilage bacteria.

Accordingly, by application of CuHDO, it is thus now possible to kill, or at least control the growth of microorganisms without using toxic heavy metals such as tin, lead or mercury based compounds.

Thus, CuHDO can be used to preserve process fluids (e. g. water treatment in cooling towers or pulp and paper processing) and to protect goods such as leather, textiles, textile auxiliaries, leather auxiliaries, cosmetics, cleaners, lubricants, metal working fluids, detergents, polymers, plastics, rubber, paper, cardboard, plastics, building mate- rials, cement, tiles, masonry, concrete, pigment preparations, paint formulations, adhe- sives and sealants against microbial attack. Preferably the CuHDO is used in industrial processes such as cooling towers and pulp and paper processing. Another preferred use of the CuHDO is the in-can preservation of formulated products such as paints and personal care products. Furthermore, as indicated above, surprisingly it was found that CuHDO is very effective in the protection of products, articles and formulations against certain spoilage bacteria, especially Pseudomonas fluorescens, Pseudomonas aerugi- nosa, Alcaligenes faecalis and Staphylococcus aureus, fungi, especially Aspergillus niger, Chaetomium globosum and Saccharomyces cerevisiae and especially the dan- druff causing yeast Malassezia furfurwhich makes the use of CuHDO in cosmetics products, another preferred application. The microorganisms mentioned above are ubiquitous in the applications mentioned but normally hard to fight. To date, it was not known that CuHDO is effective against these difficult organisms.

CuHDO may be formulated into a concentrate based either on water or an organic sol- vent and optionally one or more co-formulants such as emulsifiers or pH-adjusting additives. Preferred formulations are water based and may contain low, more preferably no, volatile organic compounds (VOC). Concentrates of CuHDO may contain between 5 and 60%, more preferably between 10 and 45%, still more preferably between 20 to 40%, especially 20 to 30%, by weight of total concentrate, of CuHDO.

In application, CuHDO is preferably used so as to provide a final concentration from 0.001 to 10%, more preferably 0.01 to 5%, especially 0.02 to 0.5%, by weight of the liquid medium (including any liquid environment to be treated).

In particular, although the pH of the CuHDO concentrate may vary from 2-12, as can that of the medium to be treated, concentrated alkaline formulations are particularly effective against microorganisms. Accordingly, it is preferred that the concentrate and more especially the treated product has a pH of at least 4, more preferably at least 7, still more preferably at least 8, especially 8 to 12.

A preferred product has a pH adjusted to at least 7, more preferably at least 8 using potassium hydroxide. In contrast with most microbicides which can be used at high pH, such as quaternary ammonium compounds, CuHDO does not generate foam and is easy to handle.

CuHDO can be formulated into e. g. pastes, emulsions or solutions or suspension or put onto solid carriers. If required surfactants, emulsifiers, chelants, solubilizers/solvents, salts, corrosion inhibitors, dyes, fragrances, anti-foaming agents or dispersants are included either alone or in combination.

As mentioned above, CuHDO, as a component (A), may be rendered even more effec- tive by combining with another microbicidally effective component (B), as defined above.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the CuHDO used is in-situ, i. e. generated directly within the application using a water-soluble salt of N'-hydroxy-N-cyclohexyl- diazenium oxide and a Cu-containing salt. Examples of suitable water-soluble salts of N'-hydroxy-N-cyclohexyldiazenium oxide comprise those salts of Group 1 alkali metals e. g. Sodium, Lithium and Potassium. Examples of Cu-containing salts comprise water soluble/dispersible Cu-salts such as Basic Copper Carbonate, Copper Nitrate, Copper Sulphate and Oxides of Copper The in-situ preparation is performed by mixing an aqueous solution of at least one wa- ter-soluble salt of N'-hydroxy-N-cyclohexyldiazenium oxide with an aqueous solu- tion/dispersion of at least one Cu-salt.

The in-situ CuHDO is generated within the application by blending copper salts of 1% to 99 % Cu content, preferably between 30% to 70 %, still more preferably between 40% to 60 %, especially 50% to 60 %, with a solution of a water soluble salt N'hydroxy-N-cyclo-hexyldiazenium oxide with a concentration of 5% to 95 %, more preferably between 10% and 65 %, still more preferably between 20% to 40 %, espe- cially 30% to 35 % by weight of total concentrate of water soluble salt N'hydroxy-N- Cyclohexyldiazenium oxide.

In application, CuHDO is preferably used so as to provide a final concentration of from 0. 001% to 10%, more preferably 0. 01% to 5%, especially 0.02% to 0.5%, by weight of the liquid medium (including any liquid environment to be treated).

In particular, although the pH of the application medium may vary from 2-12, in-situ CuHDO is particularly effective against microorganisms if the pH of the medium is at least 5, more preferably at least 7, still more preferably at least 8, especially 8 to 12.

Any components (B) or any further additives for the formulation may be added at any time to the solution. They may be added to the combined aqueous solutions after mix- ing, added in course of mixing or alternatively added to either the solution of the water- soluble salt of N'-hydroxy-N-cyclohexyldiazenium oxide (s) or the solution of the water soluble Cu-salt (s). Preferably the aqueous solvent comprises only water, however it is also possible to some other solvents miscible with water. Examples of such solvents

comprise alcohols such as methanol, ethanol, 1-propanol or 2-propanol. In general, the amount of water should be at least 50 %, preferably 70 % by weight of the total amount of all solvents.

Compositions embodying the invention including such combinations have a particularly strong microbiocidal broad spectrum effect and can therefore be used for combating efficiently many undesirable microorganisms. Such combined active components and formulations produced therefrom can act by a chemical route to destroy, discourage or render harmless, harmful organisms, prevent harmful effects or may act in other ways.

Formulations embodying the invention may be used to prevent microbial infestation of industrial materials, in other words they can be used for in-can preservation. They serve also as microbicidal finishers of products, in other words they can be used for film conservation.

"Industrial materials"are to be understood as non-living materials, as they are attacked in technical-industrial processes. Industrial materials which can be protected from mi- crobial damage or destruction by formulations embodying the invention are, for exam- ple, finishings, drilling oils, dispersions, emulsions, dyes, adhesives, lime, lacquers, pigment preparations, paper, paper processing materials, textiles, textile processing materials, leather, leather processing materials, wood, coating materials, anti-fouling coatings and colours, plastics articles, plastics substrates such as polyethylene, poly- propylene, polyamide, polyurethane and the like, cosmetics, washing and cleaning ma- terials, cooling lubricants, hydraulic fluids, joint sealing compounds, window cement, thickening solutions, fleeces as well as carpet layers and other materials which can be attacked or destroyed by microorganisms.

"Industrial processes"are to be understood as installations, especially chemical instal- lations, manufacturing installations or machinery, in which"industrial materials"are used as auxiliaries or reaction media. Examples include reaction vessels, storage ves- sels, heating vessels (radiators), heat exchanger circuits or air conditioning units.

Likewise, formulations embodying the invention can be used in water treatment. Water treatment is understood as the addition of formulations to processing water, for exam- ple, combating slime in the paper industry and for control of harmful organisms in the sugar industry. They prevent or control the growth of microorganisms in cooling circula- tion systems, air humidification or in drilling and conveying fluid in the oil industry.

Formulations embodying the invention can be used for disinfection of, for example, bottles, instruments, hands, waste, water outflow and in washing. Here, particular ex- amples which can be mentioned are in hospitals, nursing homes and old peoples homes, where disinfection of the above mentioned materials and objects play a particu- lar role, because the patients mostly have the least resistance to infection.

Microorganisms which are capable of infesting and even damaging or destroying indus- trial materials are bacteria, fungi (e. g. yeasts and moulds) and their spores, algae and slime organisms. Preferably the formulations embodying the invention are effective against bacteria, especially yeasts and moulds as well as algae.

Examples of gram-positive bacteria are Micrococcaceae, Streptococcaceae, Bacilli, Lactobacillaceae, Actinomycetales, especially Mycobacterium, Dermatophilus, Nocar- diaceae, Streptomyces and Corynebacterium. Examples of gram-negative microorgan- isms are Spirochaetales (e. g. Spirochaetaceae and Leptospiraceae), Pseudomonada- ceae, Legionellaceae, Neisseriaceae, Enterobacteriaceae, Vibrionaceae, Pasteurella- ceae, Bacteroidaceae, Veillonellaceae, Rickettsiaceae, Bartonellaceae and Chlamydi- aceae, as well as Brucellaceae.

Examples of yeasts include the families Cryptococcaceae and Sporobolomycetaceae in which are found human pathogenic kinds of Candida, Trichospores as well as Cryptococcus neoformans. Examples of these are Candida albicans and Saccharomy- ces cerevisiae.

An example of a mould within the family zygomycetes is Mucorales ; examples of the family Hypomycetes are Aspergillus and Penicillium and an example of the family Bo- dariales is Neurospora. The representatives of moulds most mentioned are, for exam- ple, Altemaria alternata, Aspergillus niger and Penicillium funiculosum.

Examples of algae include Scenedesmus obliquus, Euglena gracilis, Chlorella pyrenoi- dosa, Chlamydomonas pulsatilla, Chlorella salina, Phaeodactylum tricornutum, Chlor- ella sp, Pleurococcus sp, Nostoc muscorum, Oscillatoria tenuis, Stichococcus bacillaris and Trentepohlia aurea.

In a composition embodying the invention comprising a combination of (A) and (B), the respective amounts of the components (A) and (B) in the composition are preferably 1 to 99 wt% of (A) and 1 to 99 wt% of (B), more preferably 10 to 90 wt% of (A) and 90 to 10% wt% of (B), especially 40 to 60 wt% of (A) and 40 to 60 wt% of (B).

As in the case of a composition containing CuHDO as the sole microbicidal active com- ponent, a composition embodying the invention comprising respective components (A) and (B) may be formulated into a concentrate based either on water or an organic solvent and optionally one or more co-formulants such as emulsifiers or pH-adjusting additives. Again, preferred formulations are water based and may contain low, more preferably no, volatile organic compounds (VOC). The concentrates may contain be- tween 5 and 60%, more preferably between 10 and 45%, still more preferably between 20 to 40%, especially 20 to 30%, by weight of total concentrate, of the combination of respective components (A) and (B).

In application, the combination of active components (A) and (B) is preferably used so as to provide a final concentration of from 0.001 to 10%, more preferably 0.01 to 5%, especially 0.02 to 0.5%, of (A) and (B), by weight of the liquid medium (including any liquid environment to be treated).

In particular, although the pH of the concentrate may vary from 2-12, as can that of the medium to be treated, concentrated alkaline formulations are particularly effective against microorganisms. Accordingly, it is preferred that the concentrate and more es- pecially the treated product has a pH of at least 4, more preferably at least 7, still more preferably at least 8, especially 8-12.

A preferred product has a pH adjusted to at least 7, more preferably at least 8, using a suitable base such as Potassium Hydroxide.

Compositions embodying the invention comprising a combination of components (A) and (B), in dependence upon their chemical and physical properties, can be made up into the usual formulations and preparations as, for example, emulsions, suspensions, dispersions, solutions, powders, pastes or in combination with carrier materials.

To the combinations can optionally be added surface active agents such as surfac- tants, e. g. emulsifiers, for example, anionic surfactants such as alkylsulfonate and eth- ersulfate ; nonionic surfactants such as fatty alcohol ethoxylate, fatty alcohol esterthio- late, sorbitan ester and polyalkylene glycol ; and amphoteric surfactants; chelanats, for example, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, nitrilotriacetic acid and methylglycinediacetic acid; solubilizers and/or solvents, for example alcohols such as ethanol, n-propanol and i-propanol, and glycols, for example, propylene glycol and polypropylene glycol, acids and bases, for example, phosphoric acid and caustic soda, inorganic salts and/or other additives, as for example, corrosion inhibitors, anti-foaming agents, dyestuffs and fragrances, either alone or in combination with one another.

It is especially surprising that a composition embodying the invention comprising a combination of (A) CuHDO with (B) another microbicidally effective component can exhibit such a strong effect and indeed, in certain cases, an improved effect against a broad spectrum of microorganisms.

Such strong, or even improved, effects may be observed against, for example, Staphy- lococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, Citrobacter freundii, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Alcaligenes faecalis, Candida albicans, Sac- <BR> <BR> <BR> charomyces cerevisiae, Altemaria altemata, Aspergillus niger, Penicillium funiculosum and Chaetomium globosum.

For example, a combination of (A) CuHDO and (B) Bronopol has a very strong effect against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PSA), Candida albicans (CA), Proteus mirabilis (PRM), Staphylococcus aureus (STA), Aspergillus niger (ASN) and Escherichia coli (EC) and exhibits a remarkable improved effect against STA, PRM, PSA and CA.

Indeed, it is particularly advantageous to use this combination against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PSA), which is a pathogenic agent resulting in hospital infections.

Similarly, a combination of (A) CuHDO with (B) 1, 2-benzisothiazol-3 (2H) -one (BIT) ex- hibits an excellent improved effect against each of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphy- lococcus aureus, Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger.

CuHDO, whether used alone or in combination with other components (B) provides additional performance enhancements in terms of the killing and inhibition of microor- ganisms. In all tests conducted, equal quantities of in situ generated CuHDO surpris- ingly outperformed the pre-prepared compound within wet state preservation, across the embodied pH range, as well as dry state film protection.

A further benefit to this aspect of the invention is a reduction in the observed intensity of blue discoloration when producing the compound in situ, making the invention more suitable for use in colour critical applications such as decorative products (e. g. paints and lacquers).

Embodiments of the invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the following Examples.

In can preservation Tests were performed according to the IBRG draft method (5.2, June 2001). This briefly entails the substrate being dosed with the biocide and allowed to equilibrate.

Samples are inoculated once per week for 4 weeks and checked for recovery of organ- isms at 1,3 and 7 days after inoculation.

Results to show efficacy in a polymer based on an acrylic ester and acrylonitrile poly- mer dispersion using: 1000 ppm CuHDO 1000 ppm in-situ generated CuHDO (by blending within the matrix or medium, 315 ppm of basic copper carbonate containing 57.5% copper content with 3492 ppm of a 30% water soluble solution of potassium salt of N'-hydroxy-N-cyclohexyldiazenium oxide (KHDO))

Using the following performance rating: P = Pass (0-100 colonies) F = Fail (101-> 1000 colonies) An assessment of the observed intensity of blue discolouration is also included in Table 1 to show further the benefit of the in situ generated invention Table 1. Challenge Test Data for In situ generated CuHDO and Pre-prepared CuHDO Bacterial Fungal Challenges Overall Efficacy Challenges pH5 pH7 pH9 pH5 pH7 pH9 pH5 pH7 pH9 1000ppm P P P In situ Generated CuHDO COLOUR 1Acceptable very slight blue hue 1000 ppm Cu-P P P F2 P P FZ P P HDO Pre-prepared COLOUR 1Unacceptable clearly visible blue hue Inoculated F F F F F F F F F Control COLOUR Fully acceptable P = Pass (0-100 colonies) F = Fail (101-> 1000 colonies) 1. Benefit of invention is a reduction in the observed intensity of the blue discoloration when generating CuHDO in situ, making the invention more suitable for use in colour critical applications such as decorative products (e. g paints and lacquers).

2. Pre-prepared CuHDO performs well within the embodiment at pH 7-pH 9 whereas in situ generated CuHDO is acceptable over the pH range tested

Surface Protection Testing was performed according to the BS3900 G6 and BBA MOAT 33 methods for evaluation versus fungi and algae, respectively. The methods involve painting a sub- strate panel with the coating and leaching under running water for 72 hours. The sub- strates are incubated for 56 days after being inoculated with fungi or algae. Perform- ance is judged by comparing with suitable control samples i. e without biocide, a posi- tive control and for fungi with substrate panels that have not been leached.

Performance rating of painted test substrates is as follows and a score of 0,1 and 2 is considered as a pass 0 = no growth 1 = trace of growth 2 = growth on 1-10% of test face 3 = growth on 10-30% of test face 4 = growth on 30-70% of test face 5 = growth on 70-100% of test face.

Surface Protection using CuHDO CuHDO was evaluated against a combination product consisting in a paste of N-octyl isothiazolone, Carbendazim and Diuron as well as a reference blank.

Table 2: Fungal resistance of coating"as applied". TEST SAMPLE FUNGAL GROWTH ASSESSMENT* (% by weight) Plaster Substrate Wood Substrate 28 42 56 28 days 42 days 56 days days days days 0.15% CuHDO111111 1.5% CuHDO 1 1 1 1 1 1 Blank Control 5 5 5 5 5 5 1.5% Combination Product 1 1 1 1 2 CuHDO concentrations are for the active ingredient.

Combination product concentration is the % use level Results show the excellent performance of the single active CuHDO versus the combi- nation product and blank.

Table 3: Fungal resistance of coating after leaching with running water for 72 hours TEST SAMPLE FUNGAL GROWTH ASSESSMENT* (% by weight) Plaster Substrate Wood Substrate 28 days 42 days 56 days 28 days 42 days 56 days 0.15% CuHDO 1 1 2 1 1 2 1.5% CuHDO 1 1 1 1 1 1 Blank Control 3 3 4 4 4 4 1.5% Combination 3 3 4 3 4 5 Product

In this worst case scenario after leaching ; the results demonstrate the excellent per- formance of the single active CuHDO versus the combination product and blank.

Table 4: Algal resistance of coatings after leaching with running water for 72 hours TEST SAMPLE ALGAL GROWTH ASSESSMENT* (% by weight) 28 days 42 days 56 days 0.15% CuHDO 2/2 1/1 0/1 1.5% CuHDO 0/0 0/0 0/0 Blank Control 4/4 4/4 4/5 1.5% Combina-0/0 0/1 0/1 tion Product

Results show the excellent performance of the single active CuHDO versus the combi- nation product and blank.

In situ generated Cu-HDO was evaluated against the fungicide IPBC and the algaecide Terbutryn, as well as a reference blank.

Benefit of the invention is a reduction in the observed intensity of the blue discoloration when generating CuHDO in situ, making the invention more suitable for use in colour critical applications e. g. decorative products such as paints and lacquers.

Examples are given below. Table 5: Fungal re-FUNGAL GROWTH ASSESSMENT* sistance of coating "as applied". TEST SAMPLE (% by weight) Plaster Substrate Wood Substrate 28 56 Colour 28 56 Colour days days days days 0. 5% In situ CuHDO 1 1 Fully 1 1 Fully Acceptable Acceptable 1. 0% In situ CuHDO 1 1 Fully 1 1 Fully Acceptable Acceptable 30. 2% CuHDO 1 1 Unacceptable 1 1 Unacceptable clearly visible clearly visible blue blue hue hue Blank Control 3 4 Fully 4 5 Fully Acceptable Acceptable 0.5% IPBC 1 1 Fully 1 1 Fully Acceptable Acceptable

Results show that no discoloration is observed with the in-situ generated higher con- centration CuHDO in contrast to pre-prepared 0.2% CuHD03which exhibits a visible blue hue within the dried coating. The efficacy CuHDO outperforms the blank and is comparable to IPBC.

Table 6: Fungal resistance of coating after leaching with running water for 72 hours TEST SAMPLE FUNGAL GROWTH ASSESSMENT* (% by weight) Plaster Substrate Wood Substrate 28 56 Colour 28 56 Colour days days days days 0. 5% In situ CuHDO 1 1 Fully 1 1 Fully Acceptable Acceptable 1. 0% In situ CuHDO 1 1 Fully 1 2 Fully Acceptable Acceptable 30. 2% CuHDO 2 3 Unacceptable 2 3 Unacceptable clearly visible clearly visible blue hue blue hue Blank Control 4 4 Fully 3 5 Fully Acceptable Acceptable 0.5% IPBC 1 1 Fully 1 1 Fully Acceptable Acceptable

In this worst case scenario after leaching, CuHDO outperforms the blank and is compa- rable to IPBC. More surprisingly after leaching the in-situ generated higher concentra- tion CuHDO gives no discoloration in contrast to the pre-prepared 0.2% CuHD03which exhibits a visible blue hue within the dried coating Table 7: Algal resistance of coatings after leaching with running water for 72 hours TEST SAMPLE ALGAL GROWTH ASSESSMENT* (% by weight) 28 days 56 days Colour 0. 5% In situ CuHDO 0, 0 0, 0 Fully Acceptable 1. 0% In situ CuHDO 0,1 0,0 Fully Acceptable 30. 2% CuHDO 0, 1 1,2 Unacceptable clearly visible blue hue Blank Control 3,3 4,4 Fully Acceptable 0.5% Terbutryn 0,0 0,0 Fully Acceptable

In this worst case scenario after leaching, CuHDO outperforms the blank and is compa- rable to Terbutryn. More surprisingly after leaching the in-situ generated higher concen- tration CuHDO gives no discoloration in contrast to the pre-prepared 0.2% CuHD03 which exhibits a visible blue hue within the dried coating