Antibacterial elastomers
A new line of antimicrobial heat-cured rubber compounds from Milliken Chemical Speciality Elastomers (MCSE) has been introduced "to help solve cleaning challenges in food-processing, packaging, medical, and other applications prone to microbial contamination".
Called Elastoguard, the patented antimicrobial elastomers are said to provide an effective way to prevent the growth of bacteria, fungi, and yeasts on rubber parts such as seals, gaskets, O-rings, wheels, casters, diaphragms, bladders, packings, liners, tubing, and belts "while avoiding challenges that organic biocides have posed in the past". The company says the demand for antimicrobial products is growing rapidly, with more than $1 billion now spent annually on biocides for items as diverse as food-processing conveyor belts, liquid soap, health and beauty aids, medical wound-care devices, catheters, and rubber mats.