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 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 improved antimicrobial coated product and a method for coating substrates, the product of which is capable of withstanding high impact, is not subject to corrosion, is resistant to germ retention and transfer, and thus is extremely well suited for the containment of toxic, hazardous, corrosive, and bacteria-laden wastes as well as for products which are resistant to attack from fungus, positive and negative bacteria, yeast infections and contaminations, and viruses, as well as resistant to attack from corrosion, corrosive chemicals, caustic chemicals, and radiation. The substrate is coated with a thermoplastic material incorporating an antimicrobial agent by electrostatic, fluidized bed or flame spraying techniques. Alternatively, the substrate may be coated with a combination of a thermosetting resin and a thermoplastic material, either or both incorporating an antimicrobial agent, all of which can be cured in place.

Abstract: A process for coating a substrate such as steel, that will hold an electrostatic charge, wherein a first coating of a thermosetting resin an amine cured opoxy resin of the family diglycidylether of bisphenol-A, is applied to the substrate electrostatically or by fluidized bed methods, a second layer of thermoplastic material is applied electrostatically to the coating of thermosetting material, the substrate is heated and the coatings are cured and bonded to the substrate and to each other at a temperature of from 355.degree. F. to 430.degree. F. for a period of about 6 to about 22 minutes, whereby the first and second coating materials become cross-linked and develop a high degree of impermeability.Coated substrates made according to the process can be used in the fabrication of items that must withstand ultraviolet or nuclear radiation plus chemical and corrosive attack including containers for toxic and hazardous materials, as well as low level radioactive materials.