Global Plastic Antimicrobial R&D is in full swing

Not long ago, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) officially released two important standards: "ISO 22196:2007 – Evaluation Method for Surface Antibacterial Properties of Plastic Products" and "ISO 20743:2007 – Determination of Antibacterial Properties of Antibacterial Finished Textiles." These standards marked a significant milestone in the development of an international antibacterial standardization system. Today, the antibacterial industry is growing rapidly worldwide, driven by the continuous innovation of new organic and silver-based antibacterial agents, which have made the market more dynamic than ever. As the industry expands, companies are investing heavily in research and development to improve their antibacterial technologies. For example, the U.S.-based Millin Chemical Company has established a microbiology laboratory in Europe to enhance its technical support for customers. This facility is designed specifically for European clients and offers services related to existing plastic and textile processing equipment. The lab is equipped with standard microbiological tools such as inoculation devices, colony counters, sterilizers, biosafety cabinets, incubators, and microscopes, enabling comprehensive testing and analysis. In addition, countries like Japan, the U.S., Europe, and China have all developed their own antibacterial standards. However, differences in these standards often lead to confusion among manufacturers, as testing methods and requirements vary from region to region. This inconsistency can hinder international trade. To address this issue, the recent release of the two ISO international antibacterial standards aims to provide a unified framework that supports global market needs. Many organic antibacterial agents are now available on the market. However, not all chemicals are suitable for use in plastics. Effective antibacterial agents must be cost-effective, compatible with polymer materials, and maintain high thermal stability during processing. They should also be able to migrate to the surface of the plastic and inhibit microbial growth. Among them, organic antibacterial agents have become widely adopted due to their effectiveness and versatility. Toloy introduced several plastic antibacterial agents under the brand name Micropel. One of the key ingredients is 10,10’-oxy diphenoxycarbazone, which is highly effective against fungi, bacteria, algae, and pink mold. It is commonly used in soft PVC and polyurethane applications. Another product, 3-Iodopropynyl butyl carbamate, is widely used in industrial and personal care products. Toloy is currently working on modifying this compound to meet the thermal stability requirements of PVC, polyolefins, and rubber. Chloro-octyl isothiazolinone is another effective agent that ensures excellent thermal stability in soft PVC and effectively controls fungal growth. Meanwhile, the Micro-Chek antibacterial agent from Filipino is a low-toxicity anti-mildew solution for PVC and polyurethane, ideal for outdoor applications such as roofs, windows, canopies, and car parts. It has been certified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Health Canada’s PMRA. Ecco Chemicals has developed the Intercide series, which integrates active antibacterial components into phthalate plasticizers, epoxy resin stabilizers, or solid copolymers. Polymer Chemical Alloys has introduced PolySept, a masterbatch containing 10% to 50% antibacterial agents that can be directly mixed with various polymers such as PE, PP, PS, ABS, PA, PET, and PC. Silver-based antibacterial agents are gaining popularity due to their non-toxic nature, corrosion resistance, and lack of flammability. They do not promote bacterial resistance and offer high antibacterial efficiency, making them a preferred choice in food processing and medical equipment industries. These agents work through ion exchange, releasing silver ions that disrupt microbial activity. Aijin Technology Co., Ltd. has developed a silver-based antibacterial agent used in Logitech's mouse keyboards. This agent releases silver ions continuously, providing long-term antibacterial protection. The treated surfaces can self-clean, destroying both existing and new bacteria throughout the product’s lifecycle. The U.S. EPA has confirmed that the agent is safe for contact with food and water, and the FDA has approved it for use in food-contact applications. Sanitized AG has developed a new silver-based antibacterial active ingredient using glass-ceramics as a carrier. This formulation is twice as efficient as previous versions and can be directly incorporated into plastics. When conditions favor microbial growth, the glass-ceramics activate the silver ions, which then inhibit bacterial reproduction. The material can withstand temperatures up to 350°C and maintains optical clarity, making it ideal for transparent plastics.

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