Mounting concern over bacterial contamination in many settings has led Ticona, the engineering polymers business of Celanese Corporation, to introduce Anti-Crobe Antimicrobial Polymers, a family of antimicrobial acetal copolymers (POM) that includes two injection molding grades and an extrusion grade. These polymers are targeted towards applications that demand high performance polymers in environments where heat, moisture and nutrients foster bacterial and fungal growth. Anti-Crobe POMs are suitable for many end uses, especially in hard-to-clean wet areas and where polyolefins cannot meet performance specifications. Their possible applications include food processing, storage and handling systems, industrial gears in wet environments, and elements in water treatment plants. Other potential uses include automotive heating and air conditioning systems, medical devices, appliances, spa and bathroom products, material handling systems, office products, sports equipment, and irrigation and other fluid-based systems.
Anti-Crobe Antimicrobial Polymers comply with FDA regulations for direct food contact, meet the NSF 61 Potable Water standard, and satisfy applicable EPA regulations. They are naturally white and can be tinted as needed. Evaluations of these grades found they greatly inhibit microbial proliferation compared to conventional acetal. They retain all traditional physical and mechanical properties associated with Hostaform and Celcon POMs. They also have excellent resistance to chemicals and dimensional stability, are inherently lubricious, and withstand continuous exposure to hot water at 82 C (180 F) (and intermittent exposure to water at 100 C (212 F) or more).
Anti-Crobe Antimicrobial Polymers comply with FDA regulations for direct food contact, meet the NSF 61 Potable Water standard, and satisfy applicable EPA regulations. They are naturally white and can be tinted as needed. Evaluations of these grades found they greatly inhibit microbial proliferation compared to conventional acetal. They retain all traditional physical and mechanical properties associated with Hostaform and Celcon POMs. They also have excellent resistance to chemicals and dimensional stability, are inherently lubricious, and withstand continuous exposure to hot water at 82 C (180 F) (and intermittent exposure to water at 100 C (212 F) or more).
