Abstract: Polymeric articles having improved antimicrobial, antiviral, and antifungal properties and/or other improved properties obtainable from embedding particles in polymers are described. The articles may have a plurality of first particles that provide a desired first desired property to the article and a plurality of second particles that provide a desired second desired property to the article. In some cases, the particles may comprise or consist essentially of at least one of water soluble and water insoluble copper compounds that release at least one of Cu+ ions and Cu++ ions upon contact with a fluid. The polymeric articles may have different properties and efficacy based upon the chemical composition, the size, shape, and location of the combination of particles in the article.

Abstract: Polymeric articles including fibers, films, and solid surfaces may be produced with improved properties by embedding particles within the article. The particles may be any particle that imparts desired properties to the fiber, film, or solid surface. Methods of selecting the particle size based upon the desired properties of the article such as the fiber diameter, film thickness, efficacy such as antimicrobial activity of the article, and/or article compositions are also described. For example, fibers having improved antimicrobial, antiviral, and antifungal properties are described. The articles having antimicrobial, antiviral, and antifungal properties may comprise a plurality of particles comprising water insoluble copper compounds that release at least one of Cu+ ions and Cu++ ions upon contact with a fluid. The average particle size or the particle size range is selected based upon the diameter of the fiber or thickness of the film to be produced.

Abstract: Devices used to absorb bodily fluids include, but are not limited to, diapers, incontinence devices, feminine hygiene products, or wound dressings, for example. Certain embodiments of these devices are produced from a top sheet, an absorbent core, and back sheet. Embodiments of the top sheet have a nonwoven polymeric sheet having both water insoluble and water soluble urease inhibiting compounds. The water insoluble and water soluble urease inhibiting compounds may be copper compounds. For example, the nonwoven polymeric top sheet have polymeric fibers and the polymeric fibers include a plurality of first particles of water insoluble copper compounds that release at least one of Cu+ ions and Cu++ ions upon contact with a body fluid embedded in the polymeric fibers and water soluble copper compounds on the surface of the polymeric fibers. The devices also include water insoluble urease inhibiting compounds within the absorbent core.

Abstract: Provided is an antimicrobial non-isotactic polymer based hard or semi-flexible surface in a thermoset and/or thermoplastic resin matrix wherein the active antimicrobial ingredient is copper oxide. Processes for preparing the same and applications thereof are also described.

Abstract: Antimicrobial polyurethanes and methods of producing an antimicrobial polyurethane may comprise mixing a plurality of hydrophobic antimicrobial metal compound particles to the reaction mixture. The reaction mixture may comprise a polyol and an isocyanate. The method may comprise mixing the polyol with the plurality of hydrophobic copper oxide particles to produce a polyol slurry and, subsequently, mixing the polyol slurry with an isocyanate to form a polyurethane foam. Other polyurethane articles and methods may be utilized.

Abstract: Provided is an antimicrobial non-isotactic polymer based hard or semi-flexible surface in a thermoset and/or thermoplastic resin matrix wherein the active antimicrobial ingredient is copper oxide. Processes for preparing the same and applications thereof are also described.

Abstract: Provided is an antimicrobial non-isotactic polymer based hard or semi-flexible surface in a thermoset and/or thermoplastic resin matrix wherein the active antimicrobial ingredient is copper oxide. Processes for preparing the same and applications thereof are also described.

Abstract: A masterbatch may be blended with virgin polymer to add desired color or other properties to the virgin polymer prior to further processing. Methods and processes for producing an antimicrobial and/or antiviral polymeric masterbatch that may be used to add antimicrobial, antiviral and/or antifungal properties to a virgin polymer without significantly degrading the properties of the virgin polymer. The masterbatch may be extruded into pellets or formed into other particles for subsequent blending with the virgin polymer to add antimicrobial and antiviral properties to the polymeric materials. The method includes a heat treatment after compounding the base polymer with the antimicrobial, antiviral and/or antifungal are compounded together. The heat treatment comprises heating the masterbatch blend to a temperature between the glass transition temperature and the melting point of the base polymer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an antimicrobial and antiviral polymeric drawn fiber and polymeric fiber-based materials comprising same, wherein the drawn fiber is a polymer fiber containing cuprous oxide particles dispersed therein, with particle size ranges from about 0.25 to about 0.65 micron. The invention also relates to processes for preparing the same.

Abstract: A masterbatch may be blended with virgin polymer to add desired color or other properties to the virgin polymer prior to further processing. Methods and processes for producing an antimicrobial and/or antiviral polymeric masterbatch that may be used to add antimicrobial, antiviral and/or antifungal properties to a virgin polymer without significantly degrading the properties of the virgin polymer. The masterbatch may be extruded into pellets or formed into other particles for subsequent blending with the virgin polymer to add antimicrobial and antiviral properties to the polymeric materials. The method includes a heat treatment after compounding the base polymer with the antimicrobial, antiviral and/or antifungal are compounded together. The heat treatment comprises heating the masterbatch blend to a temperature between the glass transition temperature and the melting point of the base polymer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a drawn antimicrobial, such as an antibacterial, antiparasitic and antiviral polymeric fiber and materials containing same, wherein the fiber is a polymeric fiber containing cuprous iodide particles dispersed therein of about 0.50 to about 2.0 micron in size. The invention also provides processes for preparing such fibers and fiber-based materials.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an antimicrobial and antiviral polymeric drawn fiber and polymeric fiber-based materials comprising same, wherein the drawn fiber is a polymer fiber containing cuprous oxide particles dispersed therein, with particle size ranges from about 0.25 to about 0.65 micron. The invention also relates to processes for preparing the same.