Dugdale Ducavin compounds remove the hassle from antibacterial PVC

• Monday, 10 August 2009

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The use of silver antimicrobials in PVC has been prone to problems due to its varied and complex chemistry. Developed in partnership with antimicrobial specialists SteriTouch, every grade in Dugdale’s new Ducavin ABC range has been comprehensively tested to ensure excellent antibacterial performance and minimise the demands on processors.

Since incorporation in 2003, antimicrobial specialist SteriTouch has developed additives and masterbatches suitable for most polymers. In some instances, achieving consistent antibacterial performance across different grades of the same material can be less than straightforward.

Nick Corlett, SteriTouch Director commented... “For the majority of polymers, such as polyethylene, polyprop, TPEs, TPUs, acetal and even nylons, a single masterbatch or additive will be suitable for any grade. However, the composition of some polymers can vary so considerably that different grades will perform better with some silver additives than others; the wrong choice of additive can turn nylon mouldings brown or make a transparent polymer opaque. In some instances, the antimicrobial performance can be compromised just by changing the grade of polymer.”

“We have a very broad range of additives from which to choose, so our capabilities are virtually unrestricted. In addition to providing antimicrobial expertise we often assist customers with polymer selection, ensuring the best polymer/masterbatch combination, which can lead to significant cost savings.”

“PVC is one of the more interesting polymers, due to the varied composition and wide range of proprietary formulations. For a lot of manufacturers, achieving consistent results with an additive or masterbatch can be problematic. On several occasions, we have spoken with PVC extruders who had previously dismissed silver antimicrobials, on the basis that they had tried them and found they didn’t work.”

“We decided quite early on that the best course of action would be to partner with a PVC compounder, but recognised that qualifying our additives into a meaningful range of grades would require a very considerable amount of time and effort. We were extremely fortunate that, through one of our customers, we were introduced to Dugdale. They recognised the potential of silver antimicrobials and undertook a comprehensive joint development programme, testing a range of additives in a broad array of PVC grades. As a result of this extensive testing, SteriTouch and Dugdale can provide customers with pre-qualified compounds for most applications, whether flexible or rigid, clear or opaque.”

Dr Jeff Ryan, Technical Director of Dugdale PLC, said... “As organic biocides continue to lose favour with both manufacturers and consumers, the interest in silver antimicrobials has surged. It is early days for the Ducavin ABC range, but the response so far has been really encouraging. Given the current economic turmoil, it’s a great time to be introducing a range of products which can provide our customers with an advantage, both technically and in terms of marketing potential.”

“Other than their commitment to developing a solid partnership, one of the great benefits of working with SteriTouch is the fact that their trademark is available as a co-brand, not just to Dugdale but also Dugdale’s customers, without any associated licensing fees.”

With customers including World Dryer Corporation, Universal Electronics and Mothercare, SteriTouch is one of the most recognisable antimicrobial co-brands. Dugdale PLC is a progressive technical compounder with a reputation for working closely with its customers and suppliers to develop novel PVC materials. In conjunction with SteriTouch, Dugdale PLC is uniquely placed to meet the exacting demands of surface hygiene applications.

SteriTouch Ltd
Contact: Nick Corlett, Director
Tel: 01495 211400

Dugdale PLC
Contact: Dr Jeff Ryan, Technical Director
Tel: 01422 832501

This press release was distributed via Response Source, a service from Daryl Willcox Publishing, on behalf of SteriTouch Ltd. For more information visit http://www.dwpub.com/pressreleasewires