Singapore-based Polymore Materials introduces new antimicrobial additive, GERM ARMOR®, promising improved environmental applicability, efficiency and product durability.
Infection-causing bacteria and material-destroying fungi contaminate the surfaces we touch every day. We, therefore, need more paint and coating manufacturers to focus collectively on functionality and hygiene for end-users. Antimicrobial additives help to address these effectively by inhibiting the growth of destructive microorganisms on surfaces. They allow manufacturers to enhance product durability while strengthening environment and health protection, the latter being critical in meeting worldwide consumer safety regulations.
The global antimicrobial additives market will be worth US$3.71 billion by 2025 as manufacturers demand better antimicrobial technologies to improve product performance and meet stricter environmental standards. A new player in the market, Polymore’s GERM ARMOR®, made with a new generation of antimicrobial materials, takes a progressive approach in this direction. Developed with the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), a leading public agency driving scientific discovery in Singapore, GERM ARMOR® offers a breakthrough in antimicrobial technology.
H2 Smarter antimicrobial additive formula
While protecting against harmful microbes, the disinfecting mechanism of antimicrobial additives can be toxic. The chemical mechanism found in nanosilver technology, for example, releases silver ions which are lethal to human organs and ecosystems. GERM ARMOR®, with its inorganic composite antimicrobial materials, offers an eco-friendly mechanical-based alternative. Its smart antimicrobial formula self-catalyzes the conversion of water and oxygen to release controllable amounts of reactive oxygen species (ROS) to the environment with no toxic residues. The ROS fights a broad spectrum of microbes, including gram- positive bacteria, gram-negative bacteria, fungi and viruses. They also facilitate the removal of formaldehyde and other volatile organic compounds to improve indoor air quality.
With GERM ARMOR®, manufacturers can provide enhanced environmental and consumer health protection, enabling them to meet global regulatory requirements more effectively. Such products are highly suitable for use in hygiene critical environments such as hospitals, schools, laboratories and food- processing factories.
H2 Multi-environment applicability with long term impact
Some antimicrobial materials, such as those made from titanium dioxide, require high-energy ultraviolet rays to function, leaving them ineffective in dark environments. In comparison, GERM ARMOR®, with its self-catalyzing property, performs well in wet, dry, bright and dark conditions without any external stimulation. The smart antimicrobial materials also remain resistant to high and low temperatures, UV radiation and all solvents, be they water, soap or detergents.
Canned paint containing the additive, for instance, can continue to retain its color, smell and viscosity; similarly, painted and coated surfaces in different environmental conditions can avoid discoloration and structural damages caused by mold and mildew. GERM ARMOR® thus allows manufacturers to keep products durable in all construction, industrial, commercial and residential conditions with 24-hour protection against microorganisms - for as long as 10 years.
The new generation of antimicrobial materials in GERM ARMOR® is made for the future, set to strengthen manufacturer confidence and brand loyalty. For more information on GERM ARMOR®, please visit: https://www.polymore.sg/germarmor-antimicrobial/
About Polymore Materials:
POLYMORE MATERIALS is a Singapore-based company with a strong focus in the area of high- performance innovation materials which including novel environmental benign antimicrobial products, PAEK polymers and high-end thermoplastic composite materials.
We have been working closely with A*STAR (Singapore) since 2016 and successfully made technology breakthrough for series of innovative products. We are continuously investing in our R&D and production capabilities. We will make our efforts to accelerate the growth of industries by providing advanced material and technologies.
Polymore Group provides 80% of the world's PAEK/PEEK manufacture with monomers. Since 2016, Polymore has cooperated with A-Star/National University of Singapore to develop PEEK resins and composites technologies,constantly achieving technological breakthroughs, and gradually forming an industrial chain from PEEK raw materials to finished products. Since 2019, PEEK/PAEK downstream products have been developed and supplied to worldwide, such as PEEK composite materials, PEEK prepreg materials, etc.
Today, we have developed a complete set of moulding technologies, including resin modification, injection moulding of finished parts and continuous extrusion of sheets, rods, and pipes and new generation of the prepregs and theirs composites with carbon fiber and glass fiber.