New sars-killing molding compounds from Perstorp help safeguard public buildings, facilities from spread of disease

Polygiene™, a new series of antiviral and antimicrobial molding compounds from Sweden-based specialty-chemicals company, Perstorp, is helping make an array of everyday items “Safe to Touch™” by delivering higher levels of hygiene to public buildings and other facilities than previously available. A patent-pending formulation in the compounds is the first tested and proven to kill the SARS coronavirus (SARS-CoV) on contact, as well as a range of other viruses, bacteria, yeasts, and molds. This new breakthrough technology represents a major development in the global fight against infection and disease by enabling architects, construction companies, and building managers responsible for public buildings, offices, hospitals, clinics, and restaurant chains to design and build functional hygienic performance into these establishments.

When used to mold electrical devices, washroom accessories and other items common to public buildings and facilities, Polygiene compounds can help cut the “transmission path” of disease and infection due to their outstanding antiviral and antimicrobial capabilities. Combined with high levels of personal hygiene and a commitment to cleanliness best practices in traditional high-risk public places, the risk of spreading disease can be reduced even further. Application areas for the new Polygiene compounds include 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, and public phones.

Having successfully tested Polygiene against the extremely resistant SARS coronavirus, and other viruses, bacteria, and molds, Perstorp are confident that a new series of laboratory tests currently being conducted in both Asia and Europe will demonstrate Polygiene’s effectiveness against an even broader range of virus and bacteria. A key focus of the company’s testing program is the MRSA (Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus) bacteria, which is of particular concern in hospitals and care establishments where it can cause serious illness such as surgical wound infections and pneumonia. Research undertaken by Milan University, Italy, has already proven Polygiene’s effectiveness against Staphylococcus Aureus.

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 antiviral 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 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 Polygiene was developed by Perstorp for use in applications requiring even higher sanitary levels than in the past. This is especially important for architects, construction companies, and building managers responsible for public buildings, offices, hospitals, clinics, and restaurant chains who can now build-in functional hygienic performance. Manufacturers of devices and items used in these facilties can also use the new Pertorp materials t

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