Molding compounds from Perstorp shown to kill SARS virus and other bacteria, making more devices “Safe to Touch™”

BEIJING – March 30, 2004 – Sweden-based specialty-chemicals company, Perstorp, today introduced a new series of antiviral and antimicrobial molding compounds to make a wide variety of electrical devices such as light switches and switch plates; sanitary ware such as toilet seats; as well as items like door handles, hand rails, baby changing tables, lift buttons, dominoes, dice, and public phones “Safe to Touch.” A patent-pending formulation in the compounds is the first tested and proven to kill the SARS coronavirus (SARS-CoV) on contact. It also kills bacteria, yeasts, and molds. This new technology, combined with high levels of personal hygiene and a commitment to cleanliness best practices in such high-risk public places as hospitals, hotels, restaurants, and public transportation, as well as in private residences, can help reduce the risk of spreading disease.

The new technology – called Polygiene™ – is a product of three years of R&D investment and can be used in a variety of injection-molded amino compounds such as Aminel® and Amitec™ resins, as well as compression-molded aminos. The technology builds upon the inherent antimicrobial and antiSARS properties of the base resins and enhances this via use of a second-generation antiseptic additive. The additive is homogeneously distributed throughout the molded part and is locked into the resin matrix, so it provides protection for the lifetime of the part and never wears off, unlike surface treatments. Additionally, the additive has no side effects for the user or the environment, contains no chlorinated or volatile-organic compounds (VOCs), and does not change the desirable mechanical, physical, or processing properties of the resins.

Amino and urea compounds are commonly used in applications demanding high levels of hygiene. These materials are strong, durable, have a ceramic-like sound and feel with good surface characteristics, are creep resistant, cost-effective, have broad chemical resistance, good electrical insulating properties, and are inherently flame retardant without the use of flame retardant additives. They are also environmentally friendly, since they are produced in a solvent-free manufacturing process.

In response to the growing international concern over the spread of diseases such as SARS-CoV, Polygiene was developed by Perstorp for use in applications requiring even higher sanitary levels than in the past. Not only are device manufacturers showing interest in this material, but hotel chains, hospitals and clinics, restaurants, food processing plants, airports, public buildings, and mass-transit operations are becoming increasingly interested, as well.

Processing like conventional molding compounds, polymers with the Polygiene antiSARS and antimicrobial technology can be injection or compression molded. They are commercially available worldwide and are offered in a wide range of colours. Versus standard urea grades and thermoplastic, the new Polygiene materials have been shown to provide active suppression of bacterias and SARS Corona virus. This has been confirmed by independent in vitro testing at both China’s Military Academy of Medical Science, Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, and Italy’s University of Milan’s Institute of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine (using the Film Contact Method).

According to Lennart Holm, President and CEO of SSK/Perstorp AB, “It is clear from both the Italian and Chinese studies that Polygiene antimicrobial and antiSARS-CoV resins can help create a more hygienic environment for functional items we touch and use everyday in homes and in public buildings - “Safe to touch” – items that have, in the past, been shown to be contact points to spread disease and infection.”

Fortunately, this important antimicrobial action can be achieved without compromising other properties that amino resins are known for, including scratch resistance, good surface appearance, thermal stability, and colour stability when exposed to UV light.

Polygiene, Aminel and Amitec are registered trademar