Polymer Compounders Advances Notoxicom B6000 with Addmaster Partnership

Polymer Compounders Limited (PCL), a UK leader in thermoplastic compounding, is proud to announce a strategic partnership with Addmaster, experts in silver-based antimicrobial technology. This collaboration combines PCL’s innovative Notoxicom^® B6000 flame-retardant polymer with Addmaster’s Biomaster antimicrobial additive technology. These advancements provide manufacturers with a unique material solution that prioritises safety, hygiene, and sustainability.

Notoxicom^® B6000 is an advanced flame-retardant PC/ABS material developed by Polymer Compounders. Unlike traditional flame-retardants that often contain harmful halogens or aryl phosphate esters, Notoxicom^® B6000 achieves its flame-retardant properties through an innovative approach that integrates flame-retardancy at the molecular level. This design ensures compliance with stringent fire safety standards, including UL94 V0 and 5V ratings, while maintaining a near-zero toxicity profile. Additionally, Notoxicom^® B6000 offers a more sustainable alternative by eliminating hazardous additives and reducing environmental impact.

Integration of Biomaster Technology

By integrating Addmaster’s Biomaster antimicrobial technology into Notoxicom^® B6000, Polymer Compounders enhances the material’s properties by providing built-in protection against harmful bacteria. Biomaster, based on silver ion technology, is incorporated during the manufacturing process, ensuring continuous antimicrobial efficacy throughout the product’s lifespan. This integration inhibits the growth of bacteria on the polymer surface, contributing to cleaner and more hygienic applications across various industries.

Polymer Compounders’ Commercial Development Manager, Rupert Barrett:  “This partnership with Addmaster enhances the value we provide with Notoxicom B6000 by adding antimicrobial product protection without introducing harmful chemicals.”

“Together, we are creating solutions that meet the growing demand for hygienic, more sustainable materials, setting a new standard in flame-retardant polymer technology.”

Safety and Sustainability

The collaboration between Polymer Compounders and Addmaster exemplifies a unique synergy of fire safety and antimicrobial hygiene. Extensive testing has confirmed that integrating Biomaster antimicrobial technology into Notoxicom^® B6000 maintains the material’s superior flame-retardant properties while adding effective antimicrobial protection. This combination offers manufacturers an exceptional solution that enhances both fire safety and product hygiene. Additionally, the lightweight nature of Notoxicom^® B6000 contributes to a reduction in CO₂ emissions, underscoring its environmental friendliness.

This integration will enable manufacturers to provide products that not only offer excellent fire protection but also include antimicrobial benefits, resulting in a more comprehensive solution for various industries, including automotive, healthcare, electronics, and construction.

Polymer Compounders Limited and Addmaster conducted external tests on a new product to assess its flame-retardancy. The standard test performed in the polymer industry is known as UL94 V0, which evaluates the flammability of plastic materials used in devices and appliances.

UL 94 V-0 Flammability Standard Compliance

To achieve the UL 94 V-0 flammability rating, materials must meet stringent criteria during testing:

• Burning combustion is not sustained for more than 10 seconds after applying controlled flame.
• Total flaming combustion time for 5 samples does not exceed 50 seconds.
• None of the samples burned up to the mounting clamp by either flaming or glowing combustion.
• None of the samples dripped flaming particles that result in the ignition of the surgical cotton below them.
• Samples did not exhibit glowing combustion for more than 30 seconds after removing the second controlled flame.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with Polymer Compounders to bring this innovative product to market,” said Damian Harvey, Commercial Director at Addmaster. “By integrating Biomaster with Notoxicom B6000, we’re able to offer customers the dual benefit of antimicrobial protection and fire safety, without compromising on sustainability or environmental impact. This partnership reflects our commitment to improving product hygiene.”