Solvay, a global market leader in specialty materials, has announced the development of an innovative new portfolio of UV-C stabilizers. They are designed for use in demanding hygiene applications, where polyolefin surfaces are treated with ultra-violet (UV) light of the UV-C spectrum (200-280 nm) to fight against COVID and hospital-acquired infections. The new proprietary stabilization technology represents an important milestone for the polyolefin industry, as it is the first to address the risk of polyolefin degradation, discoloration and micro-crack formation, which is caused by frequent exposure to UV-C irradiation.

“Healthcare and other markets, such as aerospace and shared mobility, are increasingly using UV-C light to disinfect high-contact surfaces in an effort to combat pathogens, including coronaviruses,” says Sophie Poelmans, Global Marketing Manager for Polymer Additives at Solvay Materials. “Our new UV-C stabilization technology helps end users achieve effective UV-C disinfection levels on surfaces made from polyolefins without compromising the performance of the material.”

UV-C radiation can deactivate microorganisms and has been scientifically proven to be effective against coronaviruses. However, the proven germicidal action of UV-C also exposes the treated surfaces to much higher ultraviolet energy than that covered by traditional UV-A and UV-B stabilizers, resulting in the potential for faster material degradation. Solvay, a member of the International Ultraviolet Association (IUVA), has leveraged its extensive expertise in polymer additives to develop a technology that is purpose-engineered to enable the use of UV-C light as an anti-microbial disinfectant on polyolefin surfaces, while safely protecting them against UV-C induced degradation. 

Solvay’s new UV-C stabilization technology is targeted at a wide range of polyolefin applications, including medical equipment in operation and patient rooms, aircraft and shared vehicle interiors, and sporting venues. 

You can find out more on the Solvay website or by visiting Solvay at the k 2022 in Düsseldorf, from October 19-16 in Hall 6, Booth C61.