Elastoguard for food sector
In response to food sector demand for equipment components that minimise the presence and effects of bacteria and microbes, Netherlands-based ERIKS is introducing a range of sealing rings for the dairy industry produced from a special rubber compound developed in conjunction with Milliken Chemical.
The compound, termed Elastoguard-HNBR, is a high temperature formulation that incorporates Milliken's Elastoguard silver-based biocide, which permeates parts moulded from the material to provide long-lasting protection against bacteria. The antimicrobial performance provided by the Elastoguard additive is maintained even after parts are subjected to repeated washing and surface abrasion. Other potential applications for the compound, which is resistant to temperatures up to 150oC, include seals, gaskets, profiles, castors, diaphragms and levelling feet. The ERIKS sealing rings are being injection moulded in 10 sizes with outside diameters from 20-114mm, according to the DIN 11851 standard. The rings also have superior resistance to oils, grease and ageing compared with standard grades of NBR. Milliken and ERIKS have a technical and commercial agreement to develop applications and markets for the Elastoguard-HNBR compound and have evaluation programmes currently underway in the brewing and food processing industries. Longer-term targets include the medical market and suppliers of laboratory equipment.