2. coatings
sealants
adhesives
wound care
bedding
healthcare apparel
food processing
building materials
ice making equipment
appliances
kitchen equipment
storage containers
food packaging
countertops
storage tanks
utensils
automotive
furniture
sportswear
filtration
footwear
filters
uniforms
outdoor furniture
floor covering
bathroom fixtures
conveyor belts
water coolers
industrial mats
Why do you need an antimicrobial?
Microorganisms, also known as microbes or germs, are
living cells so small that most can be
seen only with a micro-
scope. Microbes include
bacteria, fungi and
algae, and are found
everywhere on earth.
While the majority of
microbes do not inter-
fere with human activities,
in some situations microbes
can cause a variety of problems. Growth of microbes on
materials such as textiles and plastics can lead to foul
odors, discoloration and formation of biofilm (i.e.
mildew, slime). In some cases, the attached microbes can
even degrade or corrode the material.
Protection against microbes begins with proper hygiene
and cleanliness. Cleaning and washing materials such
as plastics and textiles with hot water and deter-
gents is one of the best ways to remove and
kill attached microbes. However, cleaning
procedures can be costly and time consum-
ing, and do not offer residual protection
against fresh contamination. Use of a
dependable, durable and safe antimicrobial
is the best way to provide residual protection
against microbial contamination as a supplement to
proper hygiene practices. By offering your customers the
added protection against microbial contamination
provided by AlphaSan technology, additional value is
created for your product.
TYPICALAPPLICATIONS
bacteria
3. Excellent Efficacy
Superior Durability
Thermal Stability
Processing Flexibility
Manufacturing Ease of Use
Safety
Colonies formed by viable
bacteria after exposure to
AlphaSan treated polymer (top)
Colonies formed by viable
bacteria after exposure to
untreated polymer (bottom)
What is AlphaSan?
AlphaSan is a zirconium phosphate-based ceramic ion-
exchange resin containing silver. High temperature stability and
low color formation make AlphaSan uniquely suited to provide
antimicrobial performance in a wide variety of applications such as
plastics, fibers, foams, and coatings. Silver is well known to be safe
for human contact and effective against a broad spectrum of
microorganisms that cause odor, discoloration, biofouling and other
aesthetic problems. These antimicrobial properties can bring
additional value through product differentiation to a
variety of applications including food packaging, food
processing equipment, fibers and textiles, kitchen and bath
surfaces, wall and floor coverings, medical devices, and
appliances.
AlphaSan can be added to approved materials at varying
levels to impart bacteriostatic, fungistatic, and algistatic
properties to the material and the end-use article. For more
information, contact your Milliken Chemical Technical Representative
regarding applications using AlphaSan.
antimicrobial
MILLIKEN
800-845-8502
FEATURESOFALPHASAN
4. AlphaSan currently is not registered in the
United States of America for any public
health applications. According to USEPA
guidelines (PR Notice 2000-1), label claims
for products sold in the United States are
restricted to inhibitory activity against
microbes for the protection of the treated
article against aesthetic problems such as
discoloration, odor or other types of product
deterioration or spoilage. In addition, label
claims cannot include the names of specific
microbes or classes of microbes that are
directly or indirectly infectious or pathogenic
to man or animal. Please refer to the
product label for a list of approved uses.
■ Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC 4352
* Escherichia coli ATCC 8739
■ Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538P
** Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 12055
How well does AlphaSan perform?
The following efficacy data are presented
solely to substantiate the antimicrobial
activity of AlphaSan for non-public health
applications. These data were collected
using standard quantitative methods, and
are representative of the antimicrobial
performance in a variety of polymers
containing 1.0% AlphaSan. The
concentration of AlphaSan required for a
specific application will depend on
several variables, including environmental
conditions, other additives in the material,
and the level of desired performance.
exceptional
5. Microbiology Testing
Milliken maintains fully staffed micro-
biology laboratories, led by an expe-
rienced PhD Microbiologist. Our
microbiology team supports new
applications development through
efficacy testing of antimicrobial prod-
ucts using a variety of different stan-
dard test methods.
Regulatory Support
Antimicrobial additives are regulated
by government agencies throughout
the world. To keep pace with this
complex and changing regulatory sit-
uation, a team of specialists and con-
sultants has been established. They
are dedicated to ensuring that both
Milliken and our customers comply
with all international requirements.
As avid participants in Responsible
Care®
, these associates are another
part of the team
that Milliken can
utilize to help
bring your prod-
uct to market.
Analytical and Microscopy
Milliken has established analytical
and microscopy facilities staffed with
specialists and equipped with state of
the art instrumentation. These facili-
ties are used to support both our own
research and development efforts and
our customer's new product develop-
ment projects.
Additional Technology
As a supplier of specialty and per-
formance chemicals, Milliken relies
on innovation and technology to
develop proprietary products in a
wide variety of industries, from plas-
tics to printing inks. Milliken’s com-
mitment to R&D excellence is reflect-
ed in our team of experts in chemical
engineering, organic and inorganic
chemistry, textile engineering, analyti-
cal chemistry and physics. We make
these resources available to assist our
customers in solving problems and in
developing new products.
Textile Technology
Milliken has a history of leadership in
textile research, technology, and
manufacturing. AlphaSan is a lead-
ing antimicrobial additive for durable
textile applications worldwide. The
extensive facilities of Milliken are
available to AlphaSan customers for
the development of innovative new
textile products.
Plastics Technology
Milliken is an established supplier of
additives to the plastics industry.
Laboratories equipped for research,
applications development and cus-
tomer support are located throughout
the world. With the ability to test,
compound, extrude and perform a
variety of molding operations,
Milliken is uniquely qualified to sup-
port the use of AlphaSan in thermo-
plastic resins.
Why choose Milliken Chemical?
Milliken is one of the world’s largest privately held textile and chemical
corporations. As part of our product offering, we can provide customers
with technical and product development support in the following areas:
support
