ANTIMICROBIALS | ADDITIVES
The Covid-19 pandemic has put infection in the spotlight and fuelled new interest in antimicrobial additives in both traditional and new application
areas.Peter Mapleston learns more
Antimicrobial interest spikes post Covid
Since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in early 2020, interest in antimicrobial solutions for incor- poration into plastics used in multiple applications has increased hugely. Numerous suppliers report strong demand across multiple markets, with the greatest interest coming from the healthcare, packaging, clothing and transportation sectors. Particularly high levels of interest include protective films and frequently touched surfaces. Biocides incorporated into plastics provide
protection against microbial attack of the final article, extending its lifetime. Where optimum conditions for growth exist, then fungi, algae and bacteria may colonise and degrade the plastic within the bulk, or on the surface, of the plastic article. Microbial growth can result in surface staining, pitting, reduction of structural strength, embrittlement, change in conductivity or flexibility, bad odour, and other physical or mechanical property changes. Developers and producers of antimicrobial solutions have upped their efforts to develop new offerings, many of them based on natural products.
www.compoundingworld.com
Swiss company Sanitized claims to be a leader in natural odour-management, antimicrobial hygiene function and material protection for plastics and textiles. “During the pandemic we have seen a growing demand for clean surfaces and hygiene in public as well as in private spaces,” says Polymer Additives Product Manager Christine Niklas. “The first lockdown increased the demand for applica- tions in the private sphere. For example, cleanliness in the kitchen became more important, and it remains so. However, public areas have not moved out of focus either. We observed this trend world- wide, and it is certain to continue even after the pandemic.”
Niklas says demand for products with broad
protection is increasing. “We have recently com- pleted the Sanitized Broadtecproduct family and can offer now all delivery forms for all application processes and all needs. The products are suitable for various manufacturing processes like calender- ing, extrusion, injection moulding, and coating.” US-headquartered Microban International says it will launch several novel antimicrobial products
July 2022 | COMPOUNDING WORLD 21
Main image: Integration of antimicrobial — and antiviral — properties into plastics has intensifed over the past two years of the pandemic
IMAGE: SHUTTERSTOCK
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