Monofilament having antimicrobial properties, use of such monofilaments as bristle material and brush or the like comprising said bristle material

Abstract

A monofilament with antimicrobial properties for use as bristle consists of an extruded polymer with silver particles which are dispersed in the polymer matrix, and is characterized in that the silver particles have a particle size which is predominantly between 100 nm and 10 μm and are disposed along the cross-section of the monofilament with the particle size decreasing from the outside to the inside. The use of such monofilaments and brushes or paintbrushes having bristles of such monofilaments is also described.

1 - 17 . (cancelled).  
     
     
         18 . A monofilament with antimicrobial properties for use as a bristle, the monofilament comprising: 
 an extruded polymer; and    silver particles which are dispersed in a polymer matrix of said extruded polymer, wherein said silver particles have a particle size of substantially between 100 nm and 10 μm and are disposed through a cross-section of the monofilament such that a particle size decreases from an outside to an inside of the monofilament.    
     
     
         19 . The monofilament of  claim 18 , wherein a major part of said silver particles has a particle size of between 250 nm and 600 nm.  
     
     
         20 . The monofilament of  claim 18 , wherein approximately 80% of said silver particles have a particle size of between 150 nm and 700 nm.  
     
     
         21 . The monofilament of  claim 18 , wherein a concentration of silver in said polymer matrix is between 10 ppm and 10,0000 pm.  
     
     
         22 . The monofilament of  claim 21 , wherein said concentration of silver in said polymer matrix is between 500 ppm and 10,000 ppm.  
     
     
         23 . The monofilament of  claim 18 , wherein said polymer is one of a polyamide, a polyester, a polyolefine and a thermoplastic elastomer.  
     
     
         24 . A use of the monofilaments of  claim 18  as bristle material for brushes.  
     
     
         25 . A use of the monofilaments of  claim 18  as bristle material for paintbrushes.  
     
     
         26 . A use of the monofilaments of  claim 18  as an interdental cleaning element.  
     
     
         27 . A use of the monofilament of  claim 18 , for body and hair care brushes or paintbrushes.  
     
     
         28 . The use of  claim 24  for toothbrushes.  
     
     
         29 . A use of the monofilament of  claim 18 , for food treatment or processing brushes or paintbrushes.  
     
     
         30 . A brush or paintbrush comprising a bristle support and bristles connected therewith which are made from the monofilament of  claim 18 , wherein said bristle support comprises a polymer with silver particles disposed in a polymer matrix.  
     
     
         31 . The brush or paintbrush of  claim 29 , wherein said silver particles are disposed at least in a region of said bristle support which is close to said bristles.  
     
     
         32 . The brush or paintbrush of  claim 29 , wherein a size distribution and concentration of silver particles in said bristle support is adjusted to a concentration of said silver particles in said bristles.  
     
     
         33 . The brush or paintbrush of  claim 32 , wherein said concentration of silver particles in said bristle support is smaller than said concentration in said bristles.  
     
     
         34 . The brush or paintbrush of  claim 33 , wherein said concentration silver particles in said bristle support is approximately 20% of said concentration of silver particles in said bristles.