PVC strip curtains serve a multitude of functions across diverse industries, from temperature regulation and noise abatement to the maintenance of hygienic environments. The integration of silver antimicrobial additives has further enhanced their utility, particularly in applications demanding stringent hygiene protocols. However, the potential impact of these additives on the clarity of the PVC material necessitates careful consideration.

The challenge of maintaining clarity in transparent antimicrobial PVC

A key challenge associated with the incorporation of silver additives is the potential for reduced clarity of the antimicrobial PVC. Silver antimicrobial additives, even at low concentrations, can induce haze or cloudiness, which is likely to be undesirable in many applications. This diminished transparency can be problematic in contexts where visibility is crucial, such as retail displays, cold storage facilities, and cleanroom environments.

Historically, the solution was to balance the concentration of silver antimicrobial additive with the need to maintain acceptable levels of clarity, often resulting in compromised antimicrobial efficacy. Radical has developed a silver based masterbatch specifically for antimicrobial PVC strip curtains, providing excellent levels of clarity without compromising performance.

The image below shows three moulded PVC plaques, each 3mm thick. There is no discernible difference between the control moulding (no antimicrobial additive) on the left and the moulding on the right containing 3% of the antimicrobial masterbatch.

In addition to the silver antimicrobial, the masterbatch incorporates both a plasticiser to improve the flexibility of the strip curtain and PFAS-free processing aids to improve the surface finish and reduce defects. These processing aids reduce friction/drag on the PVC as it is extruded, preventing the material sticking and ensuring smooth flow through the die.