Abstract: An antimicrobial composition imparts antimicrobial characteristics to numerous products. The antimicrobial composition comprises an emulsion, wherein the emulsion comprises a quaternary ammonium antimicrobial agent, an alkyl phenol, a styrenated phenol and water. A method for producing this composition is also disclosed.

Abstract: An antimicrobial ceramic glazing composition comprising zinc borate for imparting antimicrobial characteristics to numerous ceramic products. A method for producing the antimicrobial glazing composition and ceramic products incorporating the antimicrobial glazing composition.

Abstract: An antimicrobial composition comprising a microemulsion for imparting antimicrobial characteristics to numerous products. The microemulsion can be aqueous or non-aqueous. A method of making the antimicrobial composition is also disclosed.

Abstract: A composite material having the appearance of natural stone that is made from cement and natural aggregate. The composite material also has an antimicrobial material incorporated therein that resists the proliferation of microbes on the surface of the material. A method for making the composite material and a method for making a finished product from the composite material are also disclosed.

Abstract: A bacteriostatic filter cartridge having a porous core member about which is layered a yarn and/or a polyester membrane and/or melt blown web of polypropylene and/or a trilaminate polypropylene membrane, any or all of which may be impregnated with an antimicrobial agent. The filter cartridge is sized so as to fit tightly into a cartridge housing of a fluid filtration system. Fluid passing through the cartridge housing will be filtered by the filter cartridge to remove contaminants from the water and which prevents the growth of bacterial and other microorganisms on the filter media.

Abstract: An antimicrobial concentrate is manufactured from a carrier, a non-yellowing agent, one or more antimicrobial agents and optionally one or more modifiers, the carrier having a modified ethylene polymer and optionally an olefin polymer, and method of producing the concentrate by producing the carrier, having the modified ethylene polymer and optionally the olefin polymer, then compounding the carrier with a non-yellowing agent, one or more antimicrobial agents and optionally one or more modifiers, to form the concentrate, which does not exhibit chalking and clumping of antimicrobial agent on the surface thereof. An antimicrobial blend that is manufactured from the antimicrobial concentrate, a resin and optionally an additive, and method of producing the blend by combining the concentrate with the resin.

Abstract: An improved sintered porous thermoplastic filter incorporating a second thermoplastic treated with a non-leaching antimicrobial agent for the purification of liquids. The method of making the filter is also disclosed.

Abstract: A gypsum wallboard that exhibits antimicrobial characteristics is disclosed. A method for making the wallboard is also disclosed. Suitable antimicrobial agents that may be applied to the wallboard or any components thereof include propiconazole, sodium pyrithione, tolyl diiodomethyl sulfone; tebuconazole; thiabendazole; 3-iodo-2-propynyl butylcarbamate; and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A gypsum wallboard that exhibits antimicrobial characteristics is disclosed. A method for making the wallboard is also disclosed. Suitable antimicrobial agents that may be applied to the wallboard or any components thereof include propiconazole, sodium pyrithione, tolyl diiodomethyl sulfone; tebuconazole; thiabendazole; 3-iodo-2-propynyl butylcarbamate; and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: Cast semi-permeable membranes made from synthetic polymer used in reverse osmosis, ultrafiltration and microfiltration are treated with a non-leaching antimicrobial agent to prevent its bio-fouling and bacterial breakthrough. The semi-permeable membranes include a polymeric material and a non-leaching antimicrobial agent that is incorporated into and homogeneously distributed throughout the polymeric material. The polymeric material, in the case of one membrane, may be cellulose acetate. In the case of thin film composite polyamide membranes, the antimicrobial agent is incorporated in a microporous polysulfone layer that is sandwiched between a reinforcing fabric and an ultrathin polyamide material. The invention also includes a treatment of flat and hollow fiber semipermeable membranes made with polysulfones and polyvinylidene fluoride.

Abstract: An improved sintered porous thermoplastic filter incorporating a second thermoplastic treated with a non-leaching antimicrobial agent for the purification of liquids. The method of making the filter is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of preventing the growth of heterotrophic bacteria and the subsequent establishment of a biofilm on the surface and in the micropores of an antimicrobial synthetic ion exchange resin. An antimicrobial synthetic ion exchange resin that prevents the growth of heterotrophic bacteria and the subsequent establishment of biofilm on the surface and in the micropores of the resin. A broad spectrum organic antimicrobial agent that is water insoluble and thus precipitates out and becomes encapsulated within micropores of the resin during suspension polymerization. The antimicrobial agent is submicron sized and has a high surface area. The antimicrobial agent protects the antimicrobial synthetic ion exchange bead from the growth of heterotrophic bacteria and the subsequent establishment of biofilm on the surface and in the micropores of the resin. The antimicrobial agent is nontoxic, noncarcinogenic, substantially nonleaching and durable over the lifespan of the bead.

Abstract: An improved sintered porous thermoplastic filter incorporating a second thermoplastic treated with a non-leaching antimicrobial agent for the purification of liquids. The method of making the filter is also disclosed.

Abstract: An acrylic material having antimicrobial characteristics that inhibit bacterial growth includes an acrylic polymer and an antimicrobial agent incorporated therein. The acrylic polymer is a conventional acrylonitrile compound. The antimicrobial agent is incorporated into the amorphous zones of the molecular structure of the acrylic polymer. When the acrylic material is formed using conventional techniques, the antimicrobial additive is incorporated into the amorphous zones of the molecular structure of the acrylic polymer using a solubilizing agent carrier, thereby incorporating the antimicrobial agent into the acrylic polymer. The antimicrobial additive in the acrylic material, incorporated in the manner above, results in substantive controlled migration from within the acrylic material to the surface of the acrylic material, until a point of equilibrium is reached.

Abstract: A bacteriostatic filter cartridge having a porous core member about which is layered a yarn and/or a polyester membrane and/or melt blown web of polypropylene and/or a trilaminate polypropylene membrane, any or all of which may be impregnated with an antimicrobial agent. The filter cartridge is sized so as to fit tightly into a cartridge housing of a fluid filtration system. Fluid passing through the cartridge housing will be filtered by the filter cartridge to remove contaminants from the water and which prevents the growth of bacterial and other microorganisms on the filter media.

Abstract: An enclosed fluid system that is resistant to the formation of biofilm at any and all points of contact between system components and the fluid stored or transported therethrough. The enclosed fluid system includes a point of fluid entry, such as a pump from a well, and a point of fluid exit, such as a water tap, and is inclusive of the fluid entry and exit. Each of the system components comprise fluid contacting portions that are made of polymers or a polymer composite material. Between the point of fluid entry and the point of fluid exit of the invented enclosed fluid system are various conventional valves, fluid circulation members, such as pipes, filters and fluid storage members, such as water tanks, and fluid treatment filters, such as depths filters, activated carbon filters, reverse osmosis membranes and ion-exchange resins. A non-leaching antimicrobial agent that inhibits the growth of microorganisms is incorporated into the fluid contacting portions of all system components.

Abstract: An antimicrobial microfiltration filter is made from a bundle of polymeric semipermeable hollow fibers treated with an antimicrobial agent and a microporous filter medium which may also be treated with an antimicrobial agent.

Abstract: A brush having antimicrobial characteristics that inhibit bacterial growth. The antimicrobial agents, compounds or chemicals are embedded in either the body or bristles or both of the brush. Further, the present invention is a method of manufacturing a brush having antimicrobial characteristics that inhibit bacterial growth. An antimicrobial additive is incorporated in resin concentrate form into the amorphous zones of the molecular structure of the polymer from which brush handles are injection molded, thereby incorporating the antimicrobial agent into the brush handle. The antimicrobial additive in the body of the brush, incorporated in the manner above, results in substantive controlled migration from the body to the bristles, until a point of equilibrium is reached. The invention is suitable for any brush in which bristles are embedded in plastic, including toothbrushes, hair brushes, scrub brushes, toilet bowl brushes, cosmetic brushes, lip-color brushes, etc.

Abstract: A fiber reinforced plastic (FRP) composite having antimicrobial characteristics that inhibit bacterial growth includes a polyester resin composition and an antimicrobial agent incorporated therein. The polyester resin composition includes a polyester resin, high modulus fiber reinforcements, a curing catalyst and a polyester resin gelcoat. The antimicrobial agent is incorporated into the amorphous zones of the molecular structure of the polyester resin composition. A method for forming the FRP composite having antimicrobial characteristics that inhibit bacterial growth is also disclosed. The antimicrobial additive is incorporated into the amorphous zones of the molecular structure of the polyester resin composition using a solubilizing agent carrier system, thereby incorporating the antimicrobial agent into the FRP composite.

Abstract: An antimicrobial additive is incorporated into the binding agent of a heavy-duty, kraft-type paper having the characteristics of substantial density, air impermeability, and improved printability. The antimicrobial additive migrates from within the binding agent onto the paper fibers to substantially eliminate growth of micro-organisms thereon.