Featured Product – Antimicrobial Hardcoat for Polycarbonate and Polyester Films

End user concern about the spread of bacterial and viral infections has led to the demand for film products that minimize the impact and growth of bacteria, especially in medical and public environments. To meet this need, Tekra developed an antimicrobial coating which provides protection against bacterial growth on touch applications, such as medical devices, membrane touch switch and overlays. This coating can be applied to any of Tekra’s Marnot® Matte and Marnot® Anti-Glare hardcoated polycarbonate or polyester films. Tekra recently added a new product Anti-Glare AM Economy Polyester film to provide affordable antimicrobial protection for customer contact points such as key pads and credit card machines.  

The antimicrobial hardcoat uses nanosilver additives, which are evenly distributed throughout the hardcoat coating. These additives disrupt bacterial enzymes which inhibits the growth of bacteria. Tekra uses the ISO 22196 method which is extensive testing performed on the coating to measure antimicrobial effectiveness of Tekra’s Marnot® Anti-Glare and Marnot® Matte hardcoated films.

Under the ISO 22196 test method there were five organisms that had a 99% reduction rate or higher. This proves that 99% of the time the coating inhibits growth of bacterial organisms such as, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterococcus faecalis (VRE), Salmonella enterica, and Listeria monocytogenes.

In addition to the coating adding the antimicrobial aspect to the film, the materials still have all of the standard hardcoat qualities which include:

  • Very good scratch, abrasion, and chemical resistance
  • 1st surface texturable, embossable and diecuttable
  • Easy processing of the materials while keeping its antimicrobial and hardcoat characteristics intact
  • The coated polyester and polycarbonate films can be printed using UV and solvent based inks.
     

With the hardcoat and antimicrobial properties, these polycarbonate and polyester coated films are most often used in overlays, membrane touch switches, medical devices, control panels, and touch screens. This coating is sought after especially if the manufactured part will be in an environment where contamination and the spreading of bacteria is of concern such as, hospitals, medical clinics, dental offices, and public kiosks.

For more information on Tekra’s Antimicrobial hardcoat please contact us at 1-800-448-3572 or via our website.  

Antimicrobial Plastic Film

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