May 27 2010
NanoHorizons Inc., a leader in the creation of nanoscale performance additives for textile, health care, and industrial applications, will provide its SmartSilver™ additives for Jamestown Coating Technologies' new SurfaGuard™ protective antimicrobial paints.
The new SurfaGuard™ paints are generating positive results in pre-launch tests with several health care and educational institutions including the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Edgewood Surgical Center (Transfer, PA), Thiel College (Greenville, PA), and Sharon High School (Sharon, PA). The SurfaGuard™ line, manufactured in the USA, will be available exclusively from Jamestown Coating Technologies beginning in June.
"Public spaces like schools and health care facilities are vulnerable to harmful microbes despite the most diligent janitorial programs," says Michael P. Walton, CEO Jamestown Coatings Technologies. "We designed SurfaGuard™ protective antimicrobial paints to be an extra defensive shield against bacteria, molds, and fungi as well as against the odor buildup and discoloration these microbes can cause. SurfaGuard™ with SmartSilver™ antimicrobial performance combines the very latest in cutting edge nanotechnology with the power of silver, one of the oldest, most effective, non-toxic antimicrobials known to man."
Jamestown and NanoHorizons scientists collaborated to ensure that Surfaguard™ paints provide constant, highly durable antimicrobial protection that won't wear off, wash off, or become deactivated, diluted or neutralized for the expected life of the paint. SurfaGuard™ protects interior walls safely without the use of harmful chemicals or hazardous poisons like those that have come under recent regulatory scrutiny. SmartSilver's nanotechnology ensures that maximum protection can be delivered with a small amount of silver resulting in cost-effective and environmentally considerate products.
"Silver has been proven safe and effective as a natural antimicrobial over centuries of use," says Chris Haupt, VP Industrial Business Unit, NanoHorizons. "SmartSilver™ additives are registered with the EPA and approved by the International Oeko-Tex Association."
In addition to protecting against microbes safely, SurfaGuard's water-based formulation is safer for the painters, too. The formulation has low odor, low VOC emissions, and a high flash point (above 220°F).