What Is Antibacterial Ceramic?
Antibacterial ceramic is a non-metallic solid material containing an active ingredient within its glaze that makes it resistant to bacterial growth.
Redefine Ceramic Surfaces With Built-In Antibacterial Protection
From walls and worktops in kitchens to flooring and sinks in bathrooms, frequently utilized ceramic surfaces are often subjected to moist and humid conditions. This makes them prone to the growth of harmful microbes such as bacteria, mold, and mildew.
Scrubbing with disinfectant cleaners is an essential way to temporarily reduce the presence of microbes on ceramic surfaces. However, research has shown that cleaning products have a limited residual effect, meaning bacteria begin to double in number every twenty minutes soon after a surface has been cleaned.
Unlike disinfectant sprays, built-in antibacterial ceramic technologies will actively control microbial growth on ceramic surfaces and work to extend the effectiveness of regular cleaning routines by reducing the background bioburden.
Adding Antibacterial Technologies to Ceramics
Since 2006, Microban® has worked extensively to develop specialist technologies and techniques that imbue ceramic surfaces with lasting antimicrobial properties. In contrast to TiO2, Microban® solutions help combat the uncontrolled growth of microbes on ceramic surfaces without requiring sunlight or UV-rays for activation. The additive is embedded within the ceramic glaze at the point of manufacture and delivers continuous product protection against microbial growth throughout the lifetime of the ceramic surface.*
Microban’s experienced ceramics engineers work closely with manufacturers to ensure that the antimicrobial technology integrates seamlessly into existing mixing and manufacturing processes. This enhances the ceramic surface with built-in antibacterial properties without impairing aesthetics, functionality, or durability.
Microban® is committed to delivering a technical solution that is efficacious, transparent to a manufacturer’s process and products, and economically feasible. If the current Microban® formulations can’t meet these requirements, the Microban® ceramics engineers will develop a new formulation that can.
Common Applications for Antibacterial Ceramic Additives
Microban® antibacterial ceramics technologies are implemented by ceramic product manufacturers across the globe. Consumer, commercial, healthcare, and building environments all benefit from the added layer of protection provided by antibacterial ceramics.
Common antibacterial ceramic applications include floor and wall tiles, sinks, toilets, bathtubs, showers, kitchen appliances, and more.
Testing the Antibacterial Efficacy of Treated Ceramic Surfaces
Microban® uses ASTM E3031-15 to determine the antibacterial effectiveness of ceramic and sanitaryware materials.
The Benefits of Microban® Antibacterial Ceramic Finishes
Active 24/7
Microban® technology is a cost-effective solution that remains active for your ceramic product's expected lifetime.*
*so long as the glaze remains intact
Effective Against Harmful Bacteria*
Microban® ceramics technology delivers lifelong surface protection against the growth of harmful bacteria. Our patented antibacterial solutions have been proven to eliminate E. coli, S. aureus, Campylobacter, and many more by up to 99.9%.
Enhances Cleanliness & Durability
Microban® antibacterial ceramics technologies are effective against the growth of stain and odor-causing bacteria. This helps to create inherently cleaner and more durable ceramic products.
Minimizes Risk of Cross-Contamination*
Microban® protected ceramics help to minimize the risk of cross-contamination, making them perfect for use in hygiene critical environments such as hospitals, food processing facilities, and schools.
Safe to Use
Microban® antibacterial ceramic products contain non-leaching technologies that are notified with the EU Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR) and registered with the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Food Contact Approved*
Selected Microban® antibacterial ceramic technologies are approved for use in direct food-contact applications.
Trusted by Leading Manufacturers
Microban® antimicrobial technologies are used and trusted by some of the world's leading ceramic product manufacturers. Brand partners include Panariagroup, Florida Tile, Laticrete, Dongpeng, Keraben Grupo, and B-Elite.
Get an Antibacterial Ceramic Additive Sample
If you are interested in developing an antibacterial ceramic product, contact the Microban team today to organize an additive sample.
*Subject to the performance properties of the specific antimicrobial ceramic additive manufactured into your product. Treated product efficacy claims against specific microbes are dependant on the results of laboratory testing.
