Plastics Color offers a new antimicrobial formulation in MicroBlok Z

There has been growing development and use of antimicrobial plastics in response to public, private and institutional demands for plastic products and product components that inhibit microbial growth.

While medical research continues to target constantly-evolving microbes including so-called ‘super bugs,’ advances in resin-compatible antimicrobial additives technology have drawn the plastics industry into the antimicrobial battle on several fronts.

Plastics products with enduring antimicrobial properties include medical devices and equipment, food preparation surfaces, household appliances, auto interiors, computers, and other personal and recreation devices and equipment. The global market for biocide additives is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.4%, from $275 million in 2010 to $390 million in 2018, according to Global Markets for Plastics Additives, a report by Wellesley, Mass-based BCC Research.  Stronger growth is expected in the Asia-Pacific region (5.1%) than in the North America and European segments (3.7% each).

The use of antimicrobial additives in plastics isn’t new. Biocides have traditionally been added to industrial, commercial and consumer plastics as a passive means for protecting products from degradation by microorganisms. These additives have proven particularly useful for products such as plastic pipe and conduit and outdoor furniture – items which are exposed to the damp conditions that encourage microbial growth.

Biocide additives are certainly experiencing a period of growth. Asia-Pacific is poised for strong growth in healthcare antimicrobial plastics with a forecast CAGR of 16% through 2017, according to Healthcare Antimicrobial Plastics – A Global Strategic Business Report from Global Industry Analysts (GIA). The report writes: “With development of more porous, washable, and efficient plastics, the application of antimicrobial plastics in healthcare is expanding into medical implants and other biomedical devices. The need to prevent hospital-associated infections (HAIs) and related complications is a major impetus for the development of novel biocides, antimicrobial polymer technologies, and innovative applications deploying these solutions.”

Among the most common biocide additives are silver nanoparticles, OBPA, OIT, and DCOIT.  Depending on the composition, many of these biocides can be compounded as stand-alone additives or as part of a masterbatch. While Oxybisphenox Arsine (OBPA) dominates global biocide production, “concerns about the long-term environmental damage and human toxicity… are leading to a shift in preference for more eco-friendly, natural, and safe antimicrobials such as inorganic silver-based biocides,” according to the GIA report.

Plastics Color Corp, manufactures colour concentrates, compounds, custom-functional masterbatches and other polymer technologies. The company offers its MicroBlok antimicrobial formulations for polymers, engineered to impede the growth of a wide spectrum of microorganisms on various plastic surfaces.

The MicroBlok line is targeted at the medical device, medical packaging, appliance, and other consumer markets where cleanliness is crucial to consumers. MicroBlok inhibits the growth of bacteria which may cause stains, odours, and product deterioration and helps keep products cleaner and fresher longer.

MicroBlok has undergone rigorous laboratory testing under ISO 22196:2011. The ISO test measures the growth of bacteria within a 24-hour period on the tested plastic substrates. The antimicrobial is appropriate for use in virtually any manufacturing process and in a variety of resins including TPU, PE, PP, PC, and ABS. It can be custom-formulated for any special manufacturing process.

MicroBlok employs silver ion-based antimicrobials engineered into the product and dispersed throughout the polymer matrix. These ions create a large ‘internal’ specific surface which creates an extremely high-efficiency antimicrobial action.

Plastics Color also offers a new antimicrobial formulation – MicroBlok Z – which contains zinc compounds instead of the silver ions in the original MicroBlok. Zinc’s antimicrobial effect is derived from its ability to disrupt membrane transport by blocking the proton pump that energizes the transport mechanism. This creates an extremely high efficiency antimicrobial action. The zinc compounds within MicroBlok Z are not depleted during the inhibition process, thus the antimicrobial effect of MicroBlok Z is not diminished over time.

MicroBlok Z is custom-blended to user specifications in a variety of resins including TPU, PP, and PE. MicroBlok Z is appropriate for virtually any moulding or extrusion application where temperatures do not exceed 240ºC (464ºF) and can be custom-formulated for any special manufacturing process. It’s an ideal inhibitor for use in products subject to high humidity and long with healthcare applications, the antimicrobial is used in sponges, bath mats, plastic gloves, scrub brushes, and footwear.

MicroBlok Z antimicrobial is engineered into resins during the compounding process, eliminating the need for secondary manufacturing steps. Antimicrobial plastics formulated with antimicrobials help suppress the growth of odour and stain-causing microorganisms on the treated plastic, but they are not intended to be a substitute for good hygiene or to prevent food-borne or infectious illnesses.