Thanks to their long-lasting antimicrobial effect, elastomer compounds from Gummiwerk Kraiburg are suitable for materials and objects which come into contact with the human body. (Source: Gummiwerk Kraiburg)
Gummiwerk Kraiburg: Antimicrobial elastomer compounds for customer-specific requirements
Gummiwerk Kraiburg GmbH & Co. KG announced that it is developing customer-specific elastomer compounds with an antimicrobial additive whose physical and rheological properties remain unchanged. According to the company, antibacterial surfaces prevent the formation, development and transfer of bacteria, mould and spores. The use of certain antibacterial active ingredients damages the cell membranes, thus interrupting the functions of the germs and preventing their proliferation.
Gummiwerk Kraiburg said that besides reducing bacteria by >99 % without any additional coating, the antimicrobial elastomer compounds also reduce a vast number of other microorganisms such as mould. Even after the surface is cleaned, the antibacterial effectiveness remains for a long time, as the additive is incorporated into the polymer matrix and does not bloom from the rubber. The germ-reducing effect was confirmed in independent laboratory tests in accordance with ISO 22196:2011 and JIS Z 2801.
The company is developing the antibacterial compounds for various types of polymer in the hardness range of 30 – 90 Shore A. The main applications are materials and objects which come into contact with the human body. In busy public areas with additional hygiene requirements, these could be controls, handrails, handles and door handles, blinds and seals, for instance. Gummiwerk Kraiburg said the offer of polymers and hardness ranges generates individual solutions for various areas of use which can be developed and produced to suit the individual customer's needs as part of a consultation. The use of different additives means that antibacterial compounds are also possible for applications coming into contact with foodstuffs.
Like this article? Share Now!
More news from this section
Managing end-of-life tyres remains both a technological challenge and a burden for society as the durability of tyres which makes them so invaluable to modern society hinders their recyclability. As compared to traditional methods of tyre disposal like incineration, the circular use of tyre rubber can reduce the environmental impact of these materials. This study investigates the effect of addition of waterjet rubber powder on the processing and the properties of a sample recipe of tread compound for a passenger car tyre. The findings indicate that recycled material can be successfully incorporated within new rubber compound without compromise of the mechanical properties.
read moreHuntsman: Virtual teamwork speeds development of Joe Nimble foot recovery sandal during the pandemic
Runners can now buy a new form of footwear that can help their feet recover from pounding the pavements during the pandemic. ‘Functional Footwear’ specialist Joe Nimble has developed its first recovery sandal for runners – with assistance from Footwear Innovation Lab GmbH and global chemical company Huntsman Corporation. The so-called recoverToes sandals, which are designed to rehabilitate tired feet after exercise and are made from polyurethane, were developed virtually during the last half of 2020, and went on widespread sale in mid-April 2021.
read more
Write a comment on this article now