What is an antimicrobial masterbatch?
What is an antimicrobial masterbatch?
A masterbatch is a concentrated blend of pigments or additives that are encapsulated within a polymer carrier. It is used to introduce colour and other properties to polymers and other materials during the manufacturing process.
An antimicrobial masterbatch is a type of masterbatch that contains a concentrated blend of antimicrobial material encapsulated within a polymer carrier. The antimicrobial material is used to eliminate up to 99.99% of microorganisms on the surface of a treated material.
What is the antimicrobial masterbatch process?
What is the antimicrobial masterbatch process?
The process of creating a masterbatch typically involves the following steps:
- Selection of the carrier polymer: The carrier material should be compatible with the base polymer as this offers high compatibility, good processability, low influence on the final properties of the product. Having good compatibility between the carrier and base polymer results in a higher quality end-product. The need for similar carrier systems applies particularly in the case for high-quality applications and engineering plastics. The carrier polymer serves as a vehicle to transport the pigments or additives that will be added to the masterbatch. Common carrier polymers include polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
- Addition of pigments or additives: Pigments or additives are added to the carrier polymer in known quantities to create the desired colour and/or properties. The pigments or additives are typically in the form of a dry powder or liquid and are added to the carrier polymer in a mixer or blender.
- Extrusion: The mixture of carrier polymer and pigments or additives is then put through an extruder where it is heated, mixed, and finally formed into pellets.
- Pelletising: Once the mixture is extruded, it is cooled and cut into small pellets. These pellets are now ready to be used as the masterbatch. This process helps to ensure that the pigments or additives are evenly distributed throughout the masterbatch.
- Quality control: Quality control measures are taken to ensure that the masterbatch meets the specified requirements such as colour, consistency, and any additional desired properties. Indeed, the use of a masterbatch helps to ensure that a homogenous mixture is obtained with the final product having a consistent level of the desired property, evenly distributed throughout.
The process of creating an antimicrobial masterbatch typically involves mixing the antimicrobial material with an appropriate polymer carrier and processing the mixture using specialised equipment, such as an extruder. The resulting antimicrobial masterbatch is a concentrated blend of the antimicrobial material and the polymer carrier, which can be easily added to the base polymer during the manufacturing process. Indeed, an antimicrobial masterbatch can be used in a variety of different manufacturing processes, including injection moulding, blow moulding, and extrusion.
Once added to the base polymer, the antimicrobial material is released slowly, providing ongoing protection against the growth of microorganisms on the surface of the treated material. The protection continues for the usual lifetime of the product. This is advantageous for the manufacture of a wide range of products such as packaging materials, medical products, toys, and textiles.
The process of creating a masterbatch typically involves the following steps:
Selection of the carrier polymer: The carrier material should be compatible with the base polymer as this offers high compatibility, good processability, low influence on the final properties of the product. Having good compatibility between the carrier and base polymer results in a higher quality end-product. The need for similar carrier systems applies particularly in the case for high-quality applications and engineering plastics. The carrier polymer serves as a vehicle to transport the pigments or additives that will be added to the masterbatch. Common carrier polymers include polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
Addition of pigments or additives: Pigments or additives are added to the carrier polymer in known quantities to create the desired colour and/or properties. The pigments or additives are typically in the form of a dry powder or liquid and are added to the carrier polymer in a mixer or blender.
Extrusion: The mixture of carrier polymer and pigments or additives is then put through an extruder where it is heated, mixed, and finally formed into pellets.
Pelletising: Once the mixture is extruded, it is cooled and cut into small pellets. These pellets are now ready to be used as the masterbatch. This process helps to ensure that the pigments or additives are evenly distributed throughout the masterbatch.
Quality control: Quality control measures are taken to ensure that the masterbatch meets the specified requirements such as colour, consistency, and any additional desired properties. Indeed, the use of a masterbatch helps to ensure that a homogenous mixture is obtained with the final product having a consistent level of the desired property, evenly distributed throughout.
The process of creating an antimicrobial masterbatch typically involves mixing the antimicrobial material with an appropriate polymer carrier and processing the mixture using specialised equipment, such as an extruder. The resulting antimicrobial masterbatch is a concentrated blend of the antimicrobial material and the polymer carrier, which can be easily added to the base polymer during the manufacturing process. Indeed, an antimicrobial masterbatch can be used in a variety of different manufacturing processes, including injection moulding, blow moulding, and extrusion.
Once added to the base polymer, the antimicrobial material is released slowly, providing ongoing protection against the growth of microorganisms on the surface of the treated material. The protection continues for the usual lifetime of the product. This is advantageous for the manufacture of a wide range of products such as packaging materials, medical products, toys, and textiles.
What are some products and industries that benefit from antimicrobial additives?
Building products
Applications include roofing materials, pipes, flooring, vinyl siding, windows, and insulation.
Commercial Products
Products include automotive interiors, seating, packing, PVC blinds, and electronic elements.
Household products
Such as small appliances, mattresses, flooring, kitchenware.
Fabric items
Including footwear, bags, sports equipment, and fitness mats.
Why choose Biocote®?
Why choose Biocote®?
BioCote® is a market leading antimicrobial additive supplier with over 25 years of dedication to helping businesses around the world create products that are protected against the negative effects caused by microorganisms. This enhances the performance of a product or surface by saturating it with lasting antimicrobial properties, enabling manufacturers to offer products that are hygienic to use, giving that product competitive advantage in its market.
With a continuous effect, BioCote® can reduce bacteria on a surface by up to 99.99% within 24 hours. BioCote® technology will protect products from microbes that can contaminate the surface through, protein damage, cell membrane damage, oxidative damage, and DNA interference.
BioCote® ensures your product meets very high standards, any product carrying the BioCote® trademark adds credibility to the antimicrobial product providing the end-user with peace of mind.
BioCote® offer a wide range of services to make your product successful in the market, partnering with us means you will be provided with premium antimicrobial additives whilst having the advantage of branding your product with our globally recognised trademark.
