CONTRAM™ MBO Industrial Bactericide

Balanced application flexibility for concentrates or tankside supplements

CONTRAM™ MBO is a highly concentrated industrial bactericide based on 3, 3’-methylenebis [5-methyloxazolidine], an extremely effective anti-bacterial compound for use in aqueous metalworking fluids. This product delivers a unique balance of application flexibility, for preventive control in metalworking fluid concentrates or as a tankside supplement to eliminate problematic bacteria growth in diluted fluids. CONTRAM MBO is proven to be highly effective against a wide variety of bacteria. 

Enhanced Performance

• Unique balance of performance properties – quick activity for tankside control coupled with good stability in fluid concentrates
• Complement to CONTRAM ST-1 protected fluids – alternate tankside chemistry to avoid microbe acclimation and resistance to one particular bactericide chemical type
• Greater oil solubility than competitive materials for improved compatibility and stability in metalworking fluid emulsions
• Safe and effective when applied and handled properly – not classified as a skin sensitizer

Typical Properties

Biocidal Efficacy

CONTRAM MBO has demonstrated efficacy against a wide variety of bacteria and limited efficacy against fungi, including the following typical metalworking fluid spoilage organisms:

Acremonium spec.
Candida albicans
Escherichia coli
Fusarium spec.
Klebsiella aerogenes
Legionella pneumophila
Mycobacterium avium
Mycobacterium immunogenum
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Pseudomonas fluorescens
Pseudomonas putida
Staphylococcus aureus

In metalworking fluid emulsion systems, a balanced solubility between the oil and water phases is key to biocidal efficacy and long-term stability in use. Unlike commonly used HHT biocide, CONTRAM MBO and ST-1 are engineered to provide greater oil phase solubility, as demonstrated by a controlled solubility study in heptane. This property is one factor that makes CONTRAM technology the ideal choice for metalworking fluid protection.

Recommended Use Directions

CONTRAM MBO is suitable for incorporation into metalworking fluid concentrates intended for water dilution at the final use site, or as a tankside supplement to in-use metalworking fluid dilutions.

Metalworking fluid concentrates intended for 20:1 water dilution should utilize 2.0-4.0% CONTRAM MBO by weight. This will result in a final dilution concentration of 1,000-2,000 ppm. Treat rates in metalworking fluid concentrates intended for different water dilution rates should be adjusted to deliver 1,000-2,000 ppm CONTRAM MBO in the final working dilution.

For tankside application, 1,000-2,000 ppm (0.10-0.20%) CONTRAM MBO should be added based on the total diluted fluid volume to maintain bacteria growth control in the working dilution.

In-Depth Industry Knowledge

Lubrizol’s comprehensive knowledge of the metalworking fluid industry helps us provide unequaled consultative support at all stages of the metalworking fluid application. From product development in the laboratory to troubleshooting challenges in the end use environment, we work with customers on specific formulation strategies to improve products or to help incorporate additives in existing product lines.

Assured Compliance

The active chemistry in CONTRAM MBO is being supported by Lubrizol under the European Biocidal Products Directive (BPD). This places Lubrizol in the best position to assist our customers in the design of their concentrate formulations in full compliance with current legislation and to assist in developing products with the most suitable labeling for the end user application. Our commitment to this program ensures the long-term availability of this performance chemistry for the metalworking fluid industry.

Health and Safety

Lubrizol supports customers through:

• Product Safety and Compliance Department, providing expert communication and advice to help educate on product risk and proper handling
• mylubrizol.com, providing timely notification on the challenges and mandates driving the metalworking industry
• Commitment to the BPD, providing assurance through a comprehensive set of health and safety data for each of the active molecules in our product range.

Please note: Use biocides safely. Always read the label and product information before use.

When properly applied, these products will safely and effectively control the hazards of microbial growth in metalworking fluids.