BactiBlock® additives in Composites

A composite material is a combination of two materials with different physical and chemical properties. When they are combined, they create a material which is specialised in doing a certain job, for instance to become stronger, lighter or resistant to electricity. Needless to say, that the reason for their use over traditional materials is that they improve the properties of their base components and, thanks to that, they are applicable in many situations. For example, the versatility in designing complex shapes together with these outstanding performances provide a series of significant advantages for various applications in sectors such as aerospace, construction, automotive, healthcare, naval, sports, among others. These are sectors and materials where BactiBlock^® can definitively add an extra added value by generating a protected against microorganisms and safer surface. 

How can I incorporate BactiBlock^® into my composite material? 

The most used composite materials because of their lightness and excellent mechanical properties, are composite materials of polymeric matrix with fibre reinforcements. Organic matrices can be thermoplastic, thermosetting or elastomers. BactiBlock^® is added easily into these organic matrices at a reduced addition level of around 0.5-1% by weight. If your material is polypropylene or polyamide based, for instance, we can propose you an adapted BactiBlock^® masterbatch. If you’re using polyester, epoxy resins or polyurethane you can add BactiBlock^® powder directly and spread it until you reach and homogenous mixture.

Adding BactiBlock into gelcoats is a very interesting option as well. Gel coats are materials used to provide a high-quality finish on the visible surface of a composites. Through this finish we can, without difficulty, impart antimicrobial properties to the full material. The most common gelcoats are based on epoxy or unsaturated polyester. You can follow these steps in order to incorporate BactiBlock^®:

1. Incorporate BactiBlock^® to the resin together with the rest of the solids.
2. If required, BactiBlock^® can be added pre-dispersed in styrene.
3. Adjust viscosity if needed.
4. Stirring at low speed. Some foam could appear at higher speed stirring mixers.

Antimicrobial efficacy results according to ISO 22196

If you’re interested in developing an antimicrobial composite or gelcoat with our antimicrobial additives BactiBlock®, get in touch with us, we will be happy to provide further information.