General Silicones launches certified antibacterial silicone

General Silicones’ (GS) silicone rubber sheet products, including Compo-SiL silicone rubber sheets, are now available in medical-grade quality with certified antibacterial properties. The sheets are shipped in rolls that can be stored, cut, and applied using roll-to-roll processes or individually using standard adhesives in existing product lines for mass production. 

The silicone product manufacturer supplies various medical product brands with medical-grade silicone and had its production re-certified for the latest antibacterial testing standards bacterial, the ISO 22196:2011 and the JIS Z 2801: 2012.

With antibacterial properties, silicones are easy to sterilise and highly resistant to oxygen, ozone, UV light, ageing, weather, and extreme temperatures. Most pathogens are of hydrophilic nature that doesn't allow them to stick to silicone surfaces due to their hydrophobic properties.

The antibacterial certifications demonstrate that silicone rubber used is effective against germs. The silver nanoparticles incorporated in the silicone material act as antibacterial agents to prevent dangerous microbes such as E. coli and MRSA from growing and multiplying on the silicone. As ionic silver affects the cell walls of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria and fungi, it blocks the reproduction of the germs and prevents colonisation of the protected surface. The antibacterial and hydrophobic properties of silicone offer an effective strategy to reduce the risks of cross-contamination.

All antibacterial silicone rubber sheets are made using the Compo-SiL technology. All sheets ship to the client with a modified PU layer. The sheets can be easily cut and applied to surfaces using standard adhesives like PUR and to textiles using HMA adhesives.

Surfaces with antibacterial properties are advantageous in many situations, including factories producing products that need to match high hygienic standards and locations with many people visiting or passing every day. Silicone surfaces are easy to sterilise and do not react with disinfectants and detergents, effectively protecting the base material from aging and corrosion. The low surface energy of silicone prevents dirt and microbes from sticking to surfaces, making them easy to clean and sterilise.

A specific advantage of the Compo-SiL technology is that the modified PU layer can be printed using standard digital printing. As the printed surface is inward-facing, it is protected by the silicone layer from degradation from disinfectants or UV lights used for sterilisation.