Compositions comprising a polyvinyl alcohol in combination with a biocidewhich is a plasticiser, such as a quaternary ammonium compound, or incombination with a biocide and a compatible plasticiser, and wherein thebiocide forms a complex with the polyvinyl alcohol, said combination havingbeen heated to above its melting point, said composition having a surfacewhich remains biostatic or biocidal for at least 7 days. A hot melt of thecomposition may be cast or applied as a film or coating or may be extrudedmoulded or otherwise into articles. Volatiles formed during heating may beremoved from the combination e.g. by low pressure.
