Outstanding antibacterial performance from SteriTouch® Universal Masterbatch

SteriTouch®, UK specialists in antibacterial additives, have launched a new high performance masterbatch suitable for several polymers including polyethylene, polypropylene and PVC.

(PRWEB) April 11, 2006 --Masterbatches have been used for many years to imbue plastic products with antibacterial properties. These masterbatches were often polymer specific and frequently required modifications to processing techniques, particularly if based on volatile organic antibacterial agents.

The UK based antibacterial additive specialist, SteriTouch®, has launched a masterbatch that provides excellent antibacterial performance in a number of polymers, including polyethylene, polypropylene and PVC. For companies using multiple polymers, this can mean a potentially significant reduction in masterbatch stock, as several polymer specific antibacterial masterbatches can be replaced by a single ‘universal’. Importantly, the masterbatch is suitable for injection moulding, extrusion and blow moulding.

The antibacterial results achieved using the SteriTouch® universal masterbatch are not compromised by this flexibility. Independent testing to the JIS Z 2801 standard has consistently demonstrated class leading performance, with a reduction in bacterial population of up to 99.9999% within twenty four hours. The masterbatch is effective against both mould and illness causing bacteria including MRSA, E. coli and Salmonella.

While the SteriTouch® masterbatch is used predominantly in the manufacture of healthcare equipment, it has potential benefits for industrial and consumer products alike... Used in sports bottles, the SteriTouch® masterbatch will reduce the possibility of mould and bacteria growing in the difficult to clean areas inside the cap and bottle neck. Bathroom products, particularly shower enclosures and curtains, often develop an unsightly coating of ‘black mould’ (aspergillus niger), which the SteriTouch® antibacterial additive is particularly effective at inhibiting. Indeed the advanced anti-mould properties lend themselves to use in building materials such as rainwater goods and PVC window frames.

SteriTouch® is an innovative product which exploits the natural antimicrobial properties of silver. Since ancient times, silver has been regarded as a versatile ‘healing’ tool and was used extensively to control infections and reduce spoilage. Indeed Hippocrates, the “Father of Medicine”, taught that silver healed wounds and controlled disease. Around 400 B.C. he listed as a treatment for ulcers “the flowers of silver alone, in the finest powder.”

Silver is able to destroy bacteria by preventing the reforming of the cell wall following cell division. Since this is a non-genetic processes, there is no possibility of bacterial resistance occurring through the development of mutagens (genetic mutations).

While most antimicrobial products have no control over the release rate of the active agent, SteriTouch® works by ‘release on demand’, prolonging the effective life of the product. Accelerated life testing has demonstrated that SteriTouch® will remain active for the lifetime of the coating.

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