Julie Simmons graduated in Chemistry from the University of Sheffield in 1993.  After completing a PGCE in Science at the University of Birmingham, she began her industrial career with Fosroc Ltd., a Burmah Castrol company.  She spent three years with Fosroc Ltd. as a product development chemist, working on polymeric sealant and waterproofing products.

Miss Simmons joined Wells Plastics in 1999 on a Teaching Company Scheme (TCS) programme to develop a range of antimicrobial masterbatches.  The TCS scheme is funded by government and industry, and aims to promote technology transfer between Universities and industry. The programme was successfully completed in February 2001 and Miss Simmons joined Wells Plastics permanently as a Development Chemist.

Her role at Wells Plastics' involves developing a range of additive masterbatches, characterising these products and providing support to customers from initial interest, through trials, to launch.  Miss Simmons is a Graduate Member of the Royal Society of Chemistry and a Member of the Society of Chemistry and Industry.

The media and public are becoming more aware of the health risks posed by bacteria and cross contamination.  This has been seen particularly in the UK with a number of articles being published over the last year relating to infections acquired in hospitals.  There is increasing evidence that bacteria can survive and multiply on surfaces such as telephones, taps etc.  The bacteria can then be transferred to people through contact with these products, thus leading to the potential spread of infections.

Basic hygiene procedures are the major factor in controlling bacterial infections, however the use of antimicrobial systems in plastic products can offer added protection and additional armament in the fight against bacteria.  Antimicrobial systems are no longer used only to protect a plastic material itself from degradation by micro-organisms, but also to affect microbe populations found at the surface.  By assisting in the control of microbes an antimicrobial can help to reduce odours, unsightly growth and the risk of cross contamination.

The aim of this presentation is to provide an overview on the use of antimicrobial systems in plastics. Testing for antimicrobial activity is an important consideration with these products and the two main types of test procedures are reviewed and compared.  Some of the systems suitable for melt processing and their use in a range of applications are presented and discussed.