Knowde Enhanced TDS
Identification & Functionality
- Plastics & Elastomers Functions
- Technologies
Features & Benefits
- Materials Features
- Product Highlights
Defend Rx masterbatches from Compounding Solutions incorporate the silver ion antimicrobial technology of leading antimicrobial provider BioCote® into thermoplastic resin carriers. Defend Rx masterbatches are intended to be dry blended at a 4wt.% let down rate with various thermoplastics to impart antimicrobial performance in finished products. The appropriate Defend Rx masterbatch should be selected based on best pairing the compatibility of the masterbatch carrier with the bulk resin it is being let down into.
Defend Rx masterbatches combat a broad spectrum of microbes to offer hygienic protection to products used in healthcare environments and typical consumer applications. The silver ion technology acts on bacteria by a) changing protein structure which interferes with essential functions such as energy generation, b) damaging cell membranes leading to dehydration and shrinking of the bacteria, c) catalyzing oxidation reactions which damage the internal systems of bacteria, and d) interfering with DNA which prevents bacteria replication. These destruction mechanisms work to significantly reduce living bacteria count on treated surfaces, minimize cross contamination or spread of microbial colonies, minimize material staining and unpleasant odors due to bacterial presence, and increase product lifetimes.These products contain a fine particle size, silver based antimicrobial powder dispersed in thermoplastic carriers. The masterbatch pellets are designed to be let down at 4wt.% LDR into various resins to impart antimicrobial properties. Below are the offered masterbatch products which should be selected based on best pairing the compatability of the mastberbatch carrier with the resin it is being let down into. Custom compounding of the antimicrobial powder into a thermoplastic carrier resin of choice is available upon request.
- Advantages of Defend Rx
- Excellent thermal and oxidative stability which reduces the risk of material discoloration and improves esthetics
- Relatively low loading of BioCote antimicrobial needed for high performance
- Relatively low material cost and easy to process compared to other medical antimicrobial technologies
- Consistently high efficacy rates across a variety of microbes in many different thermoplastics
- Longevity of antimicrobial performance for the expected lifetime of the product
- Devices containing Defend Rx technology can continue to use the typical sterilization methods that are recommended for the bulk polymer type and the application
Applications & Uses
- Applications
- Compatible Polymers & Resins
- Plastics & Elastomers End Uses
- Plastics & Elastomers Processing Methods
- Uses
Medical/Healthcare Applications Tubing, Housings, Wearable Technologies, and other Contact Surfaces
- Processing Method
Extrusion/Injection Molding
- Typical Medical Device Applications
- Scopes
- PICC lines
- Reusable devices
- Orthopedic implants
- Dialysis
- Wearables
- Filters/Purification Systems
- Wound Care
- Connectors/Adapters
- Housings
- Typical Consumer Good Applications
- Food Packaging
- Fitness / Activity Trackers
- Sportswear
- Armbands
- Headphones
- Earbuds
- Eyewear
- Handheld Devices
- Electronic / Mobile Phone Cases
- Drying
It is recommended that these antimicrobial masterbatch pellets are physically mixed with the desired thermoplastic resins at 4wt.% prior to drying. The mixed pellets should then be dried at a maximum temperature of 180F to moisture levels of less than 0.05wt.% for PEBA or polyamides or less than 0.02wt.% for TPU resins. Alternatively, the masterbatch pellets could be dried separately and mixed afterwards; however, this order of operations may expose the dried materials to moisture absoprtion from the air during the mixing process. For materials that are very sensitive to hydrolytic degradation, it is recommended that the dried mixtures of pellets are transferred directly from the dryers to a hopper feeder with a blanket of inert gas during processing.
- Processing Parameters
A 4wt.% addition of these antimicrobial masterbatches to bulk resin should not significantly influence processing parameters. It is recommended that processors start with nominal processing conditions for the selected material. Subtle adjustments, such as increasing back pressure in an injection molding process, may help to achieve the most homogenous incorporation of the antimicrobial masterbatch into the bulk resin. Cooling at the feedport is recommended to prevent the occurrence of bridging.
Properties
- Physical Form
- Appearance
- Natural
Storage & Handling
- Storage Conditions
Store in a cool, dry area away from direct sources of light, heat, fire, and moisture. Once opened it is recommended to immediately reseal the packaging or keep the container tightly closed to prevent exposure to moisture.