Dutch firm testing antibacterial systems on LSR

Rotterdam, The Netherlands – Dutch manufacturer of antibacterial systems for polymers Parx Plastics is broadening the scope of its antimicrobial technology to silicones, according to an 11 June statement.

As part of the move, the company has acquired a majority of shares in Silaritiy NV, a Dutch company founded in 2017 and specialised in biological technologies for silicone materials.

To begin with, Silarity will manage, market and sell antimicrobial technologies based on or derived from Parx Plastics' patents and know-how.

Using a “biocompatible body’s own trace-element”, Parx’s technology improves the materials’ mechanical/physical properties making it more resistant to bacteria.

By preventing bacteria and biofilm adhesion and proliferation, a reduction in the microbial load of 99.9%, measured according to ISO 22196, is achieved.

According to Parx, testing on liquid silicone elastomers (LSR) products are being carried out in collaboration with a major OEM manufacturer of silicone products, who is also co-investing in the technology.

The tests are expected to continue throughout the remainder of 2019.

The global LSR market is projected to reach €3.4 billion by 2026 at a CAGR of 8.3% from 2016 to 2026, according to figures supplied by Parx.

Typical applications for liquid silicone rubber are products that require high precision such as seals and sealing membranes; infant products as well as kitchen goods.