| abstract |
The growth of bacteria in latex is an age old problem. To control the growth of bacteria in latex, chemical bactericides are often added to latex. This invention discloses a technique for providing latex with resistance to bacterial growth. It is based upon the discovery that ions of a metal from Group Ib of the Periodic Chart, such as copper, silver, or gold, will provide latex with resistance to bacterial growth. The subject invention more specifically discloses a latex which is comprised of (1) a polymer, (2) water, (3) an emulsifier and (4) ions of a metal from Group Ib of the Periodic Chart. In most cases, the metal ions will be present in an amount which is within the range of about 1 ppm to about 50 ppm. As a general rule, silver ions are preferred. By utilizing a combination of standard organic chemical bactericides and Group Ib metal ions, the level of chemical bactericides and metal ions needed to satisfactorily control bacteria growth can be significantly reduced. Such a combination of chemical bactericides and Group Ib metal ions accordingly offers excellent cost advantages and provides treated latex with a high degree of protection against bacterial growth. The present invention further reveals a latex which is comprised of (1) a polymer, (2) water, (3) an emulsifier, (4) ions of a metal from Group Ib of the Periodic Chart and (5) an organic chemical bactericide. |