Active Ingredients of Antimicrobial Additives

Many of the active ingredients of biocides have been used in cosmetics for many years and so there is plenty of knowledge about their effects. Nevertheless the large scale handling of these substances during the production of antimicrobial masterbatches and compounds requires specialist experience. 

Some antimicrobial ingredients are vulnerable to UV radiation when subject to prolonged outdoor exposure. 

The most widely used active ingredient for PVC is OBPA, based on 10, 10 oxybisphenoxarsine. Until recently it had a 50% market share but usage of arsenic compounds is becoming less popular. Other important biocides include OFT (2- -octyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one), 2, 4, 4 -trichloro-2 -hydroxy-diphenyl ether, zinc pyrithione, iV-butyl-1,2- 

Numerous halogen and zinc compounds are available, such as Folpet (iV-trichloromethylthio), phthalimide, 2,4,4 -trichloro-2 -hydroxy diphenyl ether, zinc borate and zinc pyrithione. The last-mentioned is a broad-spectrum biocide that can be used instead of OBPA in many applications. 

Sodium propionate is said to inhibit mould growth in packaged bread. 

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