This content was written and submitted by the supplier. It has only been modified to comply with this publication’s space and style.
PCC (Plastics Color Corporation), a leading supplier of color concentrates, compounds, custom-functional masterbatches and other polymer technologies, today announced an expansion of its MicroBlok™ line of antimicrobials for polymers. The new formulation, labeled MicroBlok™ Z, contains zinc compounds instead of the silver ions in the original MicroBlok. Zinc’s antimicrobial effect is derived from its ability to disrupt membrane transport by blocking the proton pump that energizes the transport mechanism. This creates an extremely high efficiency antimicrobial action. The zinc compounds within MicroBlok Z are not depleted during the inhibition process, thus the antimicrobial effect of MicroBlok Z is not diminished over time.
PCC’s MicroBlok Z is custom-blended to user specifications in a wide variety of resins including TPU, PP and PE. MicroBlok Z is appropriate for virtually any molding or extrusion application where temperatures do not exceed 240ºC (464ºF) and can be custom-formulated for any special manufacturing process. It’s an ideal inhibitor for use in products subject to high humidity such as those intended for kitchen and bath environments as well as outdoor uses including furniture and decking. Additional product uses include sponges, bath mats, wire and cable insulation, plastic gloves, scrub brushes and footwear.
PCC’s MicroBlok Z antimicrobial technologies are engineered into resins during the compounding process, eliminating the need for secondary manufacturing steps.
“We are continuously working on the MicroBlok line and developing options for different resins, manufacturing and end uses,” says PCC Development Engineer David Witt. “The ‘Z’ product, which is highly effective against molds, bacteria and fungi, is just a natural evolution as we find new ways to meet customer needs,” he added. Witt works at Plastics Color’s Customer Solutions Center in Asheboro, North Carolina. The original MicroBlok silver-based antimicrobial was released in February.
