The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Apr. 07, 1998
Filed:
Mar. 01, 1996
Edwin Reed Dunn, Rocky Face, GA (US);
The GoodYear Tire & Rubber Co., Akron, OH (US);
Abstract
The growth of bacteria in latex is an age old problem. To control the growth of bacteria in latex, chemical bactericides are often added to latex. This invention discloses a technique for providing latex with resistance to bacterial growth. It is based upon the discovery that ions of a metal from Group Ib of the Periodic Chart, such as copper, silver, or gold, will provide latex with resistance to bacterial growth. The subject invention more specifically discloses a latex which is comprised of (1) a polymer, (2) water, (3) an emulsifier and (4) ions of a metal from Group Ib of the Periodic Chart. In most cases, the metal ions will be present in an amount which is within the range of about 1 ppm to about 50 ppm. As a general rule, silver ions are preferred. By utilizing a combination of standard organic chemical bactericides and Group Ib metal ions, the level of chemical bactericides and metal ions needed to satisfactorily control bacteria growth can be significantly reduced. Such a combination of chemical bactericides and Group Ib metal ions accordingly offers excellent cost advantages and provides treated latex with a high degree of protection against bacterial growth. The present invention further reveals a latex which is comprised of (1) a polymer, (2) water, (3) an emulsifier, (4) ions of a metal from Group Ib of the Periodic Chart and (5) an organic chemical bactericide.