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Plastics Color Corp. (PCC), a supplier of color concentrates, compounds, custom-functional masterbatches and other polymer technologies, announced an expansion of its MicroBlok line of antimicrobials for polymers. The new formulation, labeled MicroBlok Z, contains zinc compounds instead of the silver ions in the original MicroBlok.

Clare Goldsberry

October 28, 2013

2 Min Read
Plastics Color Corp. expands antimicrobial line

Plastics Color Corp. (PCC), a supplier of color concentrates, compounds, custom-functional masterbatches and other polymer technologies, announced an expansion of its MicroBlok line of antimicrobials for polymers. The new formulation, labeled MicroBlok Z, contains zinc compounds instead of the silver ions in the original MicroBlok.

Zinc's antimicrobial effect is derived from its ability to disrupt membrane transport by blocking the proton pump that energizes the transport mechanism. The zinc compounds within MicroBlok Z are not depleted during the inhibition process, thus the antimicrobial effect of MicroBlok Z is not diminished over time.

PCC's MicroBlok Z is custom-blended to user specifications in a wide variety of resins including TPU, PP and PE. MicroBlok Z is appropriate for virtually any molding or extrusion application where temperatures do no exceed 240oC (464oF) and can be custom-formulated to any special manufacturing process. It's an ideal inhibitor for use in products subject to high humidity such as those intended for kitchen and bath environments as well as outdoor uses including furniture and decking. Additional product uses include sponges, bath mats, wire and cable insulation, plastic gloves, scrub brushes and footwear.

PCC's MicroBlok Z antimicrobial technologies are engineered into resins during the compounding process, eliminating the need for secondary manufacturing steps.

"We are continuously working on the MicroBlok lline and developing options for different resins, manufacturing and end uses," said PCC Development Engineer David Witt, from the company's Customer Solutions Center in Asheboro, NC. "The 'Z' product, which is highly effective against molds, bacteria and fungi, is just a natural evolution as we find new ways to meet customer needs."

In other news, PCC announced that it is now offering thermoset plastic molding compounds through its new venture with German manufacturer Raschig GmbH, headquartered in Ludwigshafen. PCC and Raschig are both subsidiaries of PMC Global, based in Sun Valley, CA. Raschig will be distributing PCC's complete line of additives, masterbatches and other polymer technologies throughout Europe.

"The expanded relationship between PCC and Raschig will help both our companies better serve our customers by offering a more complete line of polymer products for a wider variety of manufacturing needs and markets," said PCC VP of Business Development Timothy Workman. "Raschig's expertise and market experience really complements ours, and vice versa."

Raschig's granulated, free-flowing molding compounds are plastics that chemically cross-link when processed. The final 3-dimensional structure obtained after the hardening process inhibits the material from subsequent deformation. The properties of these thermosets remain constant at high application temperatures, even when these temperatures are exceeded for short periods.

Raschig produces several lines of thermosets including melamine, epoxy, polyester and phthalates. The company, founded in 1891, has plants in Ludwigshafen and Espenhain, Germany, and Hoek van Holland, Netherlands. Plastics Color has manufacturing facilities in Calumet City, IL; Asheboro, NC; Sun Valley, CA; and Nanjing, China. 

About the Author(s)

Clare Goldsberry

Until she retired in September 2021, Clare Goldsberry reported on the plastics industry for more than 30 years. In addition to the 10,000+ articles she has written, by her own estimation, she is the author of several books, including The Business of Injection Molding: How to succeed as a custom molder and Purchasing Injection Molds: A buyers guide. Goldsberry is a member of the Plastics Pioneers Association. She reflected on her long career in "Time to Say Good-Bye."

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