Here's some "data" that may help to convince certain types of sceptics about the effectiveness of silver ions in combating bacteria. They're using them in industry.
Dan Article from "Machine Design" magazine September 18, 2003 Microbe-busting rubber A new line of antimicrobial heat-cured rubber compounds help thwart bacteria and microbe growth in food-processing, packaging, medical, and other applications. Rubber parts can be particularly vulnerable to attack by bacteria and fungi because their chemical make-up provides an ideal nutrient source. Elastoguard elastomers contain an antimicrobial Alphasan biocide. The silver-sodium-zirconium-phosphate (silver NZP) is an ion-exchange resin that permeates the entire rubber part. This skin-to-core protection works by releasing silver ions (Ag+), which exchange with other common, positively charged ions readily available in the surrounding environment. Microbes absorb the silver ions. This interrupts the formation of vital enzymes that help the organism grow and reproduce. Parts made from these elastomers are heat stable to over 800 deg C. Applications for the modified rubber include seals, gaskets, O-rings, wheels, and casters as well as diaphragms, bladders, liners , and tubing. Milliken Coated Products & Elastomers 920 Milliken Rd. Spartanburg, SC 29303 (864) 598-0107 www.millikenchemical.com -- The silver-list is a moderated forum for discussion of colloidal silver. Instructions for unsubscribing may be found at: http://silverlist.org To post, address your message to: [email protected] Silver-list archive: http://escribe.com/health/thesilverlist/index.html List maintainer: Mike Devour <[email protected]>
