Microban begins trials with new antibacterial polysulfone polymer
Article Type: New products From: Pigment & Resin Technology, Volume 42, Issue 2
Antibacterial technology specialist Microban is beginning trials with polysulfone polymer to create a unique material proposition.
Polysulfone thermoplastics are high specification polymers that offer superior toughness, strength and hydrolytic stability making them suitable as a replacement or improvement over Polycabonate.
Microban sees potential for polysulfone incorporating antibacterial technology in a range of market sectors including the medical and healthcare industries. Its combination of high thermal and dimensional stability properties already allow the polymer to be steam sterilised and adding antibacterial technology would create an extra level of hygiene between storage and use.
Jonathan Clapp, Technical Manager at Staffordshire-based Microban Europe,explained that the polysulfone project was part of Microban’s strategy in the polymers sector to pioneer new and innovative antibacterial materials.
He said: “This is the kind of project where we can make use of our considerable expertise as the world leader in antibacterial technology, bringing new products to market and even potentially creating entire new market sectors.
“Almost anyone competent can add a generic antibacterial treatment to a generic polymer. What we offer instead is the ability to deliver to our partners a genuine level of innovation that enables them to enjoy market advantages.”
The polysulfone project is now underway and Microban expects to be able to offer the technology to potential partners later this year. The company uses around 20 different antibacterial technologies, holds more than 126 patents and conducts more than 40,000 laboratory tests annually to underpin technical efficacy.
Typically, a polymer, liquid, fabric or ceramic that uses Microban will have the property of killing the vast majority of bacteria on its surface within 24 h.
Clapp said: “We are already talking to partners about potential uses for polysulfone polymers and a number of applications are already being seriously discussed.”
