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New Product Technology

Biosafe® Silane-Based Antimicrobial Additive Masterbatches

RTP Company has partnered with Biosafe Inc., of Pittsburg, PA to manufacture and sell additive masterbatches and compounds using silane-based antimicrobial technology. Antimicrobial additives prolong the useful life of plastic articles by protecting them against the growth of bacteria, fungi, mold, mildew, and algae.

According to Jean Sirois, General Manager RTP Color, "The active ingredient only needs to be at a 0.25-0.5% loading in the final product to be effective, making it much more competitive, safe, and efficient than traditional antimicrobials such as silver or triclosan. And, it does not compromise optical properties when used with high-clarity resins."

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A key benefit of RTP Company's silane-based antimicrobial products is the low toxicity of the active biocide. It will not leach or off-gas into the environment and is not absorbed by any organisms or human beings. Because the biocide is chemically bonded to the polymer, it is highly durable and does not lose effectiveness over time.

"Silane-based products have been used in the medical community for decades in next-to-skin and next-to-wound areas, proving effective against a broad range of microbes. It is FDA listed as a modifier to medical devices," explained David Dodds, Market Manager at RTP Company. The additive contains no volatile organic compounds, heavy metals, arsenic, or polychlorinated phenols and complies with both EPA guidelines and the USP pharmacopeia test for non-cytotoxicity.

Typical addition levels for silane-based masterbatches are between 2% and 3%, are processable at normal temperatures for the polymer, and are available in PUR, PBT, PET, POM, PC, PA, PP, PE, PVC, TPE, and other resin systems. Applications include injection-molded items, extruded sheet, films, profiles, and extruded fiber.

For more information, contact RTP Company at 507-454-6900 or 800-433-4787, or e-mail rtp@rtpcompany.com.