Corus antibacterial steel offers hygienic options
A new precoated steel product called Assure that could have applications in the pharmaceutical manufacturing sector has been developed jointly by steel company Corus and Microban International. The result of a three-year development process, Assure works by neutralising the capacity of bacteria to function, grow and reproduce by interfering mechanically with the cell wall structure.
Jeremy Hughes, Corus business development manager, stresses that it should be regarded as self-sanitising but not self-cleaning, and normal cleaning regimes should be maintained. However, between clean downs, the active component works continuously to prevent the growth of many pathogenic organisms. Independent testing has shown that in high risk environments Microban protection can reduce bacteria loadings by up to 99.9%.
The steel is coated with either polymer film or liquid paint - the choice depends on the intended end-use - that contains the active Microban component. During the production process, the Microban migrates throughout the polymer structure of the coating, residing in the intermolecular spaces to achieve an even distribution. At the surface, the active component partially emerges to create an antibacterial finish.
The bulk of the active component remains within the coating and acts as a reservoir to replenish any of the Microban that is lost at the surface through wear and tear, such as scuffing or abrasive cleaning.
Because the active ingredient is dispersed throughout the coating, any tears or scratching still offer full protection. After coating, the steel coil is processed into sheets that are then formed into the final product, such as roof, wall or floor panels, machinery encloses and casings, and construction fittings such as doors and shelving.
Assure can withstand most normal cleaning procedures within certain temperature parameters and provided high concentrations of cleaners or abrasive substances are not used. Where pressure-hose cleaning is required, only the polymer-film coated product can be used, and the water must not exceed 60oC or 1000psi.