Wednesday, October 18, 2006

Hard-coated polyester film has 99% MRSA kill rate

Hard-coated polyester film that incorporates antimicrobial protection, has successfully undergone extensive testing by one of the UK's leading independent, analytical testing bodies.

Autotex AM, the new hard-coated polyester film from MacDermid Autotype that incorporates Microban Antimicrobial protection, has undergone extensive testing by one of the UK's leading independent, analytical testing bodies. The antimicrobial properties of the new substrate were tested against a number of harmful bacteria, including MRSA and E.Coli 0157. For both of these bacteria, Autotex AM with Microban antibacterial protection demonstrated a kill rate of more than 99%.

Using standard test protocols that simulated real life cleaning regimes, Autotex AM with Microban antibacterial protection was subjected to a period representing 15 years of usage.

The tests were carried out on a variety of different samples, including unprocessed samples taken straight from the production line, plus samples that were subjected to simulated graphics printing such as jet dryer passes, fusion UV passes and passes under IR lamps.

In addition, film samples underwent testing to simulate extreme surface wear; this included the texture being partly removed using sand paper and the surface polished using wire wool until it was smooth.

Finally, to simulate the process of embossing, film samples were stretched by 20% in both MD and TD directions.

'This level of testing is designed to give customers and end users the confidence in the long term performance of the new Autotex AM with Microban antibacterial protection substrate,' Emma Scowen, industrial product manager for Autotype International explains, 'These test results are excellent news in terms of addressing the problems of MRSA, as the film can be used for any hygiene critical surface application where preventing the growth and spread of bacteria is essential.

The substrate is ideal for any surface application such as membrane keyboards, fascia panels, wall coverings, shelf and bench tops.' * About Microban - Microban International is a global technology and marketing company dedicated to enhancing high quality consumer, industrial and medical products with branded built-in protection from microbes.

Microban International licenses the Microban global brand name, sells custom-engineered compounds, and provides a range of services, including regulatory and marketing support.

The Microban brand promises continuous and durable antimicrobial product protection, built-in during manufacture to not wear out for the useful life of the product.

Microban International is headquartered in New York City with operations in the United States, Europe and Asia, and sales offices worldwide.

* About MacDermid Autotype - MacDermid Autotype is the leading global innovator, designer, developer and manufacturer of specialised coating technology for films used in a wide range of applications.

These include touch and vision systems, membrane switches, Film insert moulding (FIM) products for the automotive, telecommunications and domestic appliances sector and screen printing.

With specialist expertise in precision coating technology, MacDermid Autotype, transforms and enhances the performance of films for many high technology and demanding applications.

In recent years MacDermid Autotype has brought screen printing to new levels of control and repeatability, reinforcing the benefits of the process for new applications such as flexible circuit printing, DVD and industrial glass printing.

MacDermid Autotype's most recent launches have been of antimicrobial hard coated films for hygiene critical surface applications and of diffuser and anti-reflection films for use in flat panel displays.