Anti-microbial protection added to VersaFlex product line

During the last several years increasing demand for products that effectively provide protection against the onslaught of microbe infestations has propelled most product companies to investigate the best approach to meeting these demands. VersaFlex has studied a variety of chemicals and substances designed to either kill or substantially interfere with the life cycles of bacteria, fungi, mildew or other microbial based organisms. 

A basic issue has been the lack of permanency with most additive selections. One of the primary selling points and attributes of the VersaFlex polyurea based coatings and systems is the extreme durability and performance expectations of the products. It is hard to justify selling a product or system that will last half a lifetime and then improving the system with antimicrobial characteristics that might only last for a year at best. Most of the "anti-" additives are based on solutions of heavy metals that impair microbe viability. These additives tend to migrate to the surface of the coatings and get washed or abraded away after a relatively short period of use. A continuous replenishment program must be adopted to maintain the protection being sought by the owner.

Not wishing to sell products with limited effectiveness, VersaFlex adopted a position of “wait and see” how the "anti-" technologies would develop. In the last several years certain additives have been developed based on more permanent ammonium salts that become permanently polymerized within polymer based systems. As it turns out the polymerization process is greatly enhanced within the VersaFlex polyurea systems resulting in a matrix of “lance-like” salt structures throughout the entire thickness of the high-build coatings.

These nano-sized structures pierce the cellular walls of microbes resulting in a complete and effective death of the bio-organism. And yet the salt structures are bio compatible with sensitive applications such as drinking water, food contact and other intimate health uses. The only maintenance requirement is periodic normal cleaning such as would be done, in any event, to remove the general build up of dirt or other airborne contaminants.

These exciting new developments allow VersaFlex to now offer state of the art, permanent anti-microbial protection in its entire line of coatings and sealant products. The effectiveness has been repeatedly demonstrated under rigorous testing protocols for applications in medical equipment and polymer batching for OEM products.

Microbes, typically bacteria, mold, mildew and fungi are a part of everyday living – some are necessary and some are not. Undesirable bacteria for example, cause deterioration, spoilage, odors and discoloration reducing the usable life of products. Many bacteria are pathogenic potentially causing serious illness in humans and animals. Readily available cleaning agents and disinfectants can help control these undesirable microbes. However, these are temporary solutions. If you have a need to protect certain environments from bacterial, fungus, mildew or other health threatening microbial infestations,

Test results: ASTM-2149 “Shaken Flask” and ISO-22196 “Cover Slip” (from  independent laboratories) show an effective kill rate of 99.99% and all log kill rates exceed 5.58.

ASTM E-2180 “Determining the Activity of Incorporated Antimicrobial Agent(s) in polymeric or hydrophobic materials , and ASTM G-21 “Fungal” tests are equally impressive. 

No heavy metals are used and no arsenic is present in our "anti-" formulation