Process for preparing antimicrobial plastic bodies having improved long-time performance

Abstract

The present invention relates to processes for preparing an antimicrobial plastic body, said processes comprising molding a precursor and being characterized in that prior to molding at least one component of the precursor is treated with a metal colloid.

1 . A process for preparing an antimicrobial plastic body, said process comprising molding a precursor and being characterized in that prior to molding at least one component of the precursor is treated with a metal colloid.  
     
     
         2 . The process as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the precursor consists of one or several polymer materials.  
     
     
         3 . The process as claimed in  claim 2  wherein said precursor consists of polyurethane.  
     
     
         4 . The process as claimed in any one of  claims 1  to  3  wherein apart from polymeric materials further additives are added to the plastic precursor.  
     
     
         5 . The process as claimed in  claim 4  wherein said additives consist of inorganic particles.  
     
     
         6 . The process as claimed in  claim 5  wherein said inorganic particles comprise barium sulfate, calcium sulfate, strontium sulfate, titanium oxide, aluminium oxide, silicon oxide, zeolites, mica, talcum or kaolin.  
     
     
         7 . The process as claimed in  claim 6  wherein said inorganic particles comprise barium sulfate and/or fumed silica.  
     
     
         8 . The process as claimed in any one of  claims 1  to  7  wherein one or several of the components of the precursor are treated with said colloidal metal.  
     
     
         9 . The process as claimed in any one of  claims 4  to  7  wherein said plastic as well as said inorganic particles are treated with said colloidal metal.  
     
     
         10 . The process as claimed in any one of  claims 4  to  7  wherein said inorganic particles are treated with said metal colloid.  
     
     
         11 . The process as claimed in any one of  claims 1  to  10  wherein said metal colloid is colloidal silver.  
     
     
         12 . The process as claimed in any one of  claims 1  to  11  wherein said treated precursor is given its final shape by mixing, kneading, extruding, injection molding or (hot) press molding.  
     
     
         13 . A plastic body obtainable according to any one of  claims 1  to  12 .  
     
     
         14 . The plastic body as claimed in  claim 13  wherein said colloidal silver has a particle size of from 10 to 50 nm.  
     
     
         15 . The plastic body as claimed in  claim 13  or  14  in the form of a catheter.