PolySept® antimicrobial is created to provide continuous antimicrobial product protection. In order to provide a wide range of antimicrobial solutions, PolyChem Alloy®, Inc. (PCA) has established a portfolio of antimicrobial masterbatches and additives to suit a vast array of application needs. Trade named PolySept®, the made-to-order masterbatches typically contain 10% - 50% of an antimicrobial agent formulated into a plastic resin such as PE, PP, PS, ABS, PA, PBT, and PC.

Applications for PolySept® antimicrobial products include hotel bedding, hospital beds, carpet (including sub-flooring and adhesives), kitchen and bath items susceptible to mold and mildew such as refrigerator and shower door seals, mops, brooms, sponges, and paint and coatings.

Why should a biocide be added to commercial Products? When incorporated into plastics, PolySept® inhibits the growth of bacteria and fungi. The net result is an aesthetically clean part with no acrid or undesirable smell. Below is a list showing advantages realized when PolySept® is incorporated into plastic parts. 

GSA Requirements Odor Control  Air Quality…Buildings, Aircraft, etc. Cosmetic Advantage Structural Advantage

PolySept^® products are effective against a broad spectrum of bacteria, fungi, mold, mildew and MRSA. For example, PolySept® L, made with phosphate ester complex, will inhibit the growth of both gram positive (+ve), gram negative (-ve) bacteria, fungi, mold, mildew, and even dust mites. PolySept® products made with phosphate ester complex conform to EPA registration. Significant features include low water solubility, minimal off-gassing, low toxicity, and antistatic properties. 

Significant characteristics of PCA antimicrobial compounds are their increased levels of Log kill (~3) and large surface area (particle size in microns), which enhances their effectiveness against a myriad of harmful microorganisms, mold, and mildew. 

A key benefit of PolySept^® is the low toxicity of the active biocide. These products are extremely environmentally friendly, containing no arsenic, no heavy metals, no halogens, no phenolics, no formaldehydes, and no insecticides. 

The material attributes of thePolySept® product line meets a wide range of processing requirements. PCA's antimicrobial masterbatches are thermally stable from 190^oC to >400^oC, thus allowing use in higher temperature resin systems, such as Nylons, Polycarbonates, and Polyesters. The resulting uniform, pelletized concentrate can be used as an additive masterbatch for a variety of molding and extrusion processes, simplifying or eliminating many handling and feeding issues associated with liquids or powder.

The PolySept® Portfolio is effective against gram positive (+ve), gram negative (-ve) bacteria and fungi. The selection of PolySept® L, Z or Ag depends on a specific end-use application.

PolySept® L is an organic based antimicrobial with a broad spectrum of inhibition that produces a renewed active surface due to migration of the active ingredient. It is processible up to 190°C, with a suggested active content level of 1.5% - 3.0%. PolySept® L is sold as a 100% active liquid or as a masterbatch in polyolefins.

PolySept® Z is an organic salt based, non-migratory antimicrobial with a broad spectrum of inhibition. It is processible up to 200°C, with a suggested active content level of 0.2% - 0.5%. PolySept® Z is sold as a 100% active powder or as a masterbatch for polyolefins, PVA, and styrenics.

PolySept® Ag is an inorganic based, non-migratory antimicrobial with a broad spectrum of inhibition. It is processible up to 500°C, with a suggested active content level of 0.5% - 3.0%. PolySept® Ag is sold as a 100% active powder or as a masterbatch for polyolefins, styrenics, and engineering resins.

Mechanism of Action for PolySept® Biocides: PolySept® biocides act on microbial membranes to eliminate important ion gradient or gradients. Bacteria use these gradients to store energy, while fungi use them as the source of energy for nutrient  transport.

Gram -ve Bacteria Cell Wall Simplified 
Note: Gram+ve Bacteria Cell Wall lacks an Outer Membrane

Bioefficacy Standards and Test Methods include ASTM G2180, ASTM G2190, BGV Approved as registered under the EU Biocide Directive, and JIS Z2911, RoHS..