BIOCIDES | ADDITIVES


Keeping bacteria in check


Biocides and antimicrobials are finding growing applications in the plastics industry, protecting both products and people from fungal and bacterial harm. Jennifer Markarian finds out more


Biocides play an important and increasing role in the plastics industry. Applications range from the relatively established, such as the protection of PVC and other polymers from fungal and bacterial growth that can cause degradation or discoloration of the material, to the emerging area of consumer protection, where they can make a wide variety of polymer surfaces a more hostile place for bacteria to thrive. This article looks at the latest develop- ments in both application areas.


OBPA – protecting PVC In the area of PVC protection, the use of oxybisphe- noxyarsine (OBPA) was phased out in Europe in 2013 under the Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR). Outside of Europe, however, it remains the leading


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biocide for flexible PVC, according to Troy Corpora- tion, which supplies OBPA as well as IPBC (3-iodo- 2-propynyl butylcarbamate), DCOIT, OIT, and Folpet under the Micropel and Plastiguard brands. “Usage of OBPA is in fact increasing in major


markets such as North America,” says the company. “OBPA is preferred because it is highly effective, cost-efficient, and well-suited for use in flexible PVC, as well as having a long history of safe use. Addi- tionally, OBPA is the only active chemistry that has both antibacterial and antifungal efficacy. Troy is committed to providing OBPA to its customers around the world and supporting its re-registration.” OBPA is undergoing a standard re-evaluation under the EPA’s Registration Review programme, with a timeline for EPA to complete these in 2021.


Main image: Antimicrobial additives are being used in plastics applications ranging from automotive interiors to medical products


July 2018 | COMPOUNDING WORLD 31


PHOTO: LIFE MATERIALS TECHNOLOGIES


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