Toagosei Annual R&D Report “TREND” – Inaugural Issue

NOVARON is a silver-based inorganic antimicrobial agent based on hexagonal zirconium phosphate, an inorganic ion exchanger loaded with silver ions. This fine-particle antibacterial additive combines high heat resistance, low water content, low silver-ion elution, and discoloration resistance, supporting use in plastics, fibers, films, coatings, paints, and ceramics. Grades include powders for fibers, films, transparent resins, molded plastics, and PVC, plus antimicrobial masterbatch grades for polyethylene and polypropylene.

As a silver ion antibacterial agent, NOVARON is considered to inhibit bacterial growth through the action of silver ions and active oxygen species. Tests showed a broad antimicrobial spectrum against E. coli, E. coli O-157, Staphylococcus aureus, MRSA, Salmonella typhimurium, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis, yeasts, and molds. Within test conditions, ten repeated exposures did not increase resistance in MRSA or Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Because performance depends on resin type, additive level, processing, and test method, finished products should be evaluated under their intended conditions.

NOVARON can be used as an antimicrobial additive for plastics, antibacterial additive for fibers, antibacterial coating additive, antibacterial additive for films, antibacterial textile treatment, antimicrobial masterbatch additive, and antibacterial paint additive. Nylon fibers containing 1% AG300 maintained a bacterial reduction rate of at least 99.9% after 100 washing cycles, demonstrating a long-lasting antibacterial effect. Polyester fibers also retained activity after washing and dry cleaning. Molded polypropylene, polyethylene, ABS, transparent polystyrene, polycarbonate, and AS resin applications were evaluated. Transparent-resin grades limited haze, while discoloration-resistant grades suppressed thermal discoloration in polypropylene, ABS, polyamide, and paints. Natural-leather tests also showed an antifungal effect. Reported safety data included negative mutagenicity and acute oral toxicity values above 5,000 mg/kg for tested grades.