Cleaner coatings

Published: 17-Jun-2004

Pentagon Plastics of Belgium explains why a scientific research centre in Brussels chose its hygienic coatings


Steridex, the hygienic coating from Pentagon Plastics, was chosen for the walls and ceilings of a new research laboratory near Brussels with a total surface area of 5000m2. The new building consists of a series of clean corridors and high hygiene cleanrooms, which must always be free from bacteria and moulds. Additionally, these areas are periodically disinfected and are intensively cleaned daily, which is why the applied protection system for the walls and ceilings had to meet certain high demands.

Meeting specific demands The walls and ceilings must be protected against micro-organisms such as MRSA (Methicillin Resistant Staphyloccocus Aureus), E.coli, Salmonella sp, Penicillin sp, Aspergillus sp and Listeria. Also, between cleaning bacteria and moulds must not be allowed to develop. By applying Steridex this was successfully achieved. The water-based biostatic coating has an in-built but completely safe, film protectant. The anti-microbial system does not leach out when the surface is subjected to condensation or intense cleaning regimes. Therefore, the coatings remain effective against the growth of mould and bacteria throughout their design life – which is typically between 5-10 years, three times longer than traditional paints. The second requirement is a high resistance to cleaning chemicals due to the constant use of cleaning products and disinfectants. This did not prove to be a problem as the coating is resistant to chemicals, alkalis and also acids. Another very important requirement is 'crack bridging'. To avoid water infiltration during the cleaning process, cracks in the substrate must be bridged. The elastomeric properties of the coating allow thermal and structural movements without any cracking or flaking. This particular characteristic also provides a solution for the transitional problem between the walls and doors and also between the walls and floors. By continuing the coating from the wall until the middle of the metal doorframe and by overlapping the skirting board of the floor, mould and bacteria do not stand a chance in the critical places. The walls and ceilings must be smooth, easy to clean, hard-wearing and free from joints, seams and other features which might harbour dirt and bacteria. When applied by brush, roller or airless spray, the coating provides a totally seamless, hard wearing finish and enables much greater ease of cleaning than alternative products incorporating tapes, seams, joints and fixtures. The applied system needed to be approved by the Belgian Ministry of Health and Environment and the coating has been certified for applications in the pharmaceutical industry. In addition, anti-microbial coating, primers, cleaning agents and a hygiene sealant of Pentagon Plastics were used to complete the hygienic system.

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