Abstract
Lime plaster is renowned for its hygroscopic capacity, ability to capture formaldehyde and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and antimicrobial properties. However, these properties are primarily documented in studies on thick plaster used in traditional buildings, with limited data on the thin applications used in modern housing. Furthermore, information on the fungal resistance of lime plaster is scarce despite the significant health risks posed by indoor fungi, such as allergies. This study investigates the fungal resistance of thinly applied "modern lime plaster" and its varying effectiveness against different fungal species. Fungal resistance tests were conducted on lime plaster samples with different concentrations of slaked lime, using Aspergillus niger and Cladosporium sphaerospermum as test organisms. The findings indicate that "modern lime plaster" exhibited high alkalinity and exerted strong fungal resistance despite its thinner application than traditional lime plaster. In particular, formulations containing over 30% slaked lime effectively inhibited fungal growth. Additionally, the antifungal efficacy was greater against A. niger than C. sphaerospermum, reflecting differences in alkaline tolerance among fungal species. Therefore, lime plaster is a highly effective wall material with inherent fungal resistance, and may contribute to residents’ health through improve indoor air quality.
