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M. WEIR, Milliken Chemical Speciality Elastomers, 920 Milliken Rd., PO Box 1927, M-211, Spartanburg, SC 29303 Protecting food from harmful microscopic organisms can be a huge challenge. This is especially the case in the food processing industries, where controlling the growth of bacteria and fungi on processing equipment is critical. Of particular concern are the rubber seals, gaskets, and other parts of such machinery, which are particularly vulnerable to attack. This is due to the fact that the chemical constituents used in traditional rubber products provide an ideal source of nutrients that support microbial growth. The response to this is a new family of antimicrobial heat-cured rubber compounds from Milliken Chemical, called Elastoguard introduced in May 2003, which demonstrates excellent control over microbial growth, both on the surface and within the treated rubber materials. Where previous attempts to reduce or inhibit rubber microbial contamination have met with limited success, this new line of products represents a breakthrough technology in complete, long-term antimicrobial protection. The new and patented biocide used in these rubber compounds holds the key. This biocide, a silver-sodium-zirconium-phosphate (silver-NZP) ion-exchange resin, is non-leaching and extremely heat stable (>800C). It is also considered safe, non-irritating, non-toxic, and requires no special handling. This new rubber technology is FDA approved for food contact applications and can be utilized in food plant operations as a cost-effective alternative to other sanitation practices. Specific application areas for the new product include seals, gaskets, O-rings, wheels, casters, diaphragms, bladders, packings, liners, tubing, and conveyor belts. The purpose of this paper will be to discuss how antimicrobial rubber products can be employed in food plant operations to help keep food products safe from potentially dangerous and damaging microbial contamination in rubber parts.
Session 69, NEW PRODUCTS & TECHNOLOGIES: Innovations in food safety
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