What Is Antimicrobial Coating And Is It Useful? If you look around and do some research, you will come to know that the antimicrobial coating industry is growing quite impressively. It is expected that it could be a billion-dollar industry.
There are some valid reasons for this. There are increasing numbers of customers who are moving towards antimicrobial coating.
This because this special type of coating could stop the growth of germs, bacteria, and other microorganisms on various surfaces. The growth is happening across the board, though the growth is more pronounced in the healthcare segment. So, what is an antimicrobial coating, and is it useful?
These coatings have many uses. However, they are commonly applied to counters, door handles, walls, and other areas that are constantly touched and used. These include HVAC vents and other such surfaces.
These coatings can also be sprayed on masks, gloves, textiles, and carpets. They are also now being used by paint manufacturers. They are being applied to the various primer products and also wall paints.
This may help in slowing down and inhibiting the growth of pathogens on home, office, and other types of walls. They are also being coated and sprayed on various types of medical devices.
They are also now being commonly used to disinfect and sanitize pantry areas, buttons, stair railings, lift switches, and buttons apart from other areas that are frequently touched in offices and also in homes.
While the main purpose of this coating is to prevent and inhibit the spread and growth of germs and bacteria on various medical instruments, they also have other uses. They can redefine the way in which healthcare facilities are cleaned.
When countertops in the health industry are coated with these antimicrobial coatings then there may not be the need for regular cleaning as it keeps happening now. They also will make the healthcare facilities become more environment friendly apart from offering other benefits.
This is a new technology and therefore many people keep asking the question whether it is useful, safe and whether it offers value for money.
Yes, if we are to go by available research findings and also if we take into account the feedback from end-users, these coatings do offer a number of benefits. We are listing down some of the major benefits of the same
There are scientific studies to prove that quality antimicrobial coatings have special additive properties. These could offer durable protection against bacterial, mold, fungi and viruses. It also could bring down odors considerably.
Additionally, it may help in slowing down the degradation of materials. They are user friendly and do not leave behind stains on the surfaces where they are applied. As long as the coating remains on the surface, microbes will hardly have any chance to survive and grow.
Quality antimicrobial coatings may also prevent discoloration of the surfaces and also prevent damages by leeches. It could also help in improving the final feel and look of the surface.
They have a reasonably long life span and therefore the microbial protection will also be there for many years. You can also see the lesser formation of lumps, bad odor, and other such things that often create problems on various surfaces.
The big commercial constructions, medical facilities and other public institutions can save big money if they start using antimicrobial coatings. This is because the coatings will bring down maintenance costs and other associated coasts quite significantly.
Items and objects that require regular sanitary maintenance and upkeep can be coated with these coatings. This will, no doubt, bring down the supply cost and other recurring expenses.
We are all aware how viruses and bacteria could play havoc across the world. The current pandemic is certainly a big lesson to all of us. Viruses, bacteria and germs proliferate and multiply wherever there is big concentration of people.
Typical examples are offices, hospitals, malls, supermarkets, stadiums, cinema halls a host of other places including beaches and other tourist attractions.
When we use antimicrobial coatings intelligently and judiciously, we can increase sanitation quality and improve cleanliness significantly.
It is quite evident from the above that there are many reasons for giving importance to antimicrobial cleaning.
They could set new standards and new benchmarks in cleaning, sanitation, and prevention of growth of bacteria, germs, microorganisms, and viruses. Hence, there will be a growing demand for these substances in the years to come.