Antimicrobial flame and smoke spread retardant molding compounds and components molded from these compounds

Abstract

HVAC and building and construction components are molded from novel compositions that meet the flame spread and smoke index, as well as the molding, safety, strength, and aesthetic requirements for this use. In a further embodiment of the invention, these compounds also help to promote better indoor air quality in that they inhibit the growth of microbial contaminants within and even on the surface of products molded therefrom. These compounds are based on thermoset resin, and more particularly, a polyester resin which preferably can comprise a polypropylene glycol dicyclopentadiene copolymerized with maleic anhydride, a low profile additive and hydroxy ethyl methacrylate monomer with additional additives including an appropriate catalyst package, a mold release agent, a thickening agent, a loading of aluminum hydroxide which is from about 40 to 65% by weight, having a loading of glass fibers of from about 10 to about 25% and preferably containing a silver ion containing antimicrobial agent, such as soluble glass containing silver ions.