| abstract |
The invention relates to an antimicrobial composition comprising an isothiazolin-3-one, such as l,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one, a zinc compound selected from zinc salts, zinc oxide, zinc hydroxide or combinations thereof, a pyrithione salt or pyrithione acid, and a surfactant selected from the group consisting of (i) an anionic surfactant having a sulfate or sulfonate moiety attached to a straight or branched chain containing from 10 to 18 carbon atoms at the backbone of the chain, (ii) an anionic surfactant being an alkylarenesulfonic acid or salt thereof wherein the alkyl portion contains from 10 to 18 carbon atoms, and the aryl portion contains a benzene or substituted benzene moiety, and combinations thereof. This composition is particularly effective in preventing the growth of various microorganisms in mineral slurries such as aqueous calcium carbonate slurries. |