Anti-Microbial, Thermal, Mechanical, and Gas Barrier Properties of Linear Low-Density Polyethylene Extrusion Blow-Molded Bottles.

Microbial contamination can occur on the surfaces of blow-molded bottles, necessitating the development and application of effective anti-microbial treatments to mitigate the hazards associated with microbial growth. In this study, new methods of incorporating anti-microbial particles into linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) extrusion blow-molded bottles were developed. The anti-microbial particles were thermally embossed on the external surface of the bottle through two particle deposition approaches (spray and powder) over the mold cavity. The produced bottles were studied for their thermal, mechanical, gas barrier, and anti-microbial properties. Both deposition approaches indicated a significant enhancement in anti-microbial activity, as well as barrier properties, while maintaining thermal and mechanical performance. Considering both the effect of anti-microbial agents and variations in tensile bar weight and thickness, the statistical analysis of the mechanical properties showed that applying the anti-microbial agents had no significant influence on the tensile properties of the blow-molded bottles. The external fixation of the particles over the surface of the bottles would result in optimum anti-microbial activity, making it a cost-effective solution compared to conventional compounding processing.

On Antimicrobial Polymers: Development, Mechanism of Action, International Testing Procedures, and Applications.

The development of antimicrobial polymeric materials has evolved into one of the more promising methods for preventing the growth of microbes and mitigating the spread of infectious diseases in several applications including the health and food packaging sectors. The outbreak of global pandemics, and particularly the recent COVID-19 pandemic, further strengthen the importance of developing such solutions. This review paper presents a fundamental understanding of how antimicrobial polymers are developed, describes the possible surface modification approaches to render polymers with antimicrobial properties, highlights the potential mechanism of action against a range of microorganisms (bacterial, viral, and fungal), and details some of the international standard protocols and procedures to evaluate the antimicrobial properties of modified materials (such as plastics and textiles). In addition, this review paper discusses the toxicity of antimicrobial additives when used in healthcare and food packaging applications.