This invention is directed to a method of preserving colloid-stabilized polymer
emulsions against microbial attack and spoilage using selected cationic compounds.
It is also directed to compositions containing colloid-stabilized polymer emulsions
and cationic compounds that are resistant to contamination with biodeteriogenic
microbes. It has been discovered that specific cationic compounds are particularly
effective against biodeteriogenic microbes in preserving polymer emulsions that
have been stabilized with protective colloids, such as poly(vinyl alcohol). Examples
of suitable microbicidal cationic compounds are: substituted pyridinium salts,
substituted guanidine salts, tetrasubstituted ammonium salts, and polymeric cationic compounds.
