Innovation in Antibacterial Technology for artificial marble countertops: A Leap from materials Science to healthy living
In high-frequency contact scenarios such as kitchens and bathrooms, traditional artificial marble countertops, due to their high porosity (typically reaching 0.5% to 2%), are prone to becoming breeding grounds for bacteria. Research shows that after three years of use, the surface colony count of a regular countertop can reach 1,200 CFU/cm², while artificial marble with added antibacterial agents can keep this value below 50CFU/cm². This technological breakthrough not only addresses the pain points of home hygiene but also promotes the upgrading of the building materials industry towards health and functionality.
I. Antibacterial Technology Path: From surface coating to full-body protection
The current technical realization of antibacterial artificial marble mainly falls into three major systems:
Inorganic silver-based antibacterial agent system
Represented by the composite silver-based antibacterial agent launched by Nanjing Tianshi Landun, its core is the silver-containing glass microcrystalline structure. Through the slow-release silver ion technology, the bacterial cell membrane can be destroyed or the enzyme activity can be inhibited, achieving long-lasting antibacterial effects. Experimental data shows that the product with an addition amount of 0.5% has an antibacterial rate of 99.9% against Escherichia coli under laboratory conditions, and it still maintains stable performance after being boiled in 100℃ water for 8 hours or subjected to ultraviolet aging for 96 hours. This technology has been applied in high-end medical scenarios, such as guidance desks and operating room walls, effectively reducing the probability of nosocomial infections.
Nano-ion whole-body antibacterial technology
The Andebei series of Gaoshi Stone adopts Italian imported technology to evenly distribute nano-ion antibacterial agents in the material matrix. This "from the inside out" protective layer can defend against over 600 types of biological bacteria. Certified by TUV Rheinland, its antibacterial durability exceeds industry standards. After 28 days of mold testing, there was no growth. This technology breaks through the limitation of traditional surface coatings being prone to wear and tear, and can still maintain antibacterial performance even if there are scratches on the countertop.
Composite metal colloid antibacterial system
By introducing a composite metal colloid antibacterial agent, Batu quartz stone has achieved the triple advantages of heat resistance (up to 300℃), broad-spectrum antibacterial properties (covering Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria), and sustained-release properties (antibacterial effect lasting for more than 5 years). Its nano-surface coating treatment technology forms a dense protective layer on the product surface, with a water contact Angle of 110°, achieving hydrophobic and oleophobic effects, and increasing the daily cleaning efficiency by 60%.
Ii. Technological Breakthroughs: Addressing the Three major pain points in the industry
"Security upgrade
Traditional organic antibacterial agents have the problem of volatile organic compound (VOC) release, while the new inorganic antibacterial agent fixes silver ions in the crystal structure through glass encapsulation technology, ensuring that no heavy metals precipitate during use. The Andebei series of Gaoshi Stone has passed the dual certification of "low VOC emission and antibacterial" by TUV Rheinland. The formaldehyde emission is less than 0.01mg/m³, meeting the food contact grade standard.
Breakthrough in weather resistance
In response to the industry challenge of silver ions being prone to oxidation and discoloration, Tianshi Blue Shield Antibacterial Agent adopts a bimetallic synergistic technology (silver + zinc), maintaining its antibacterial performance while keeping the color difference change within ΔE<1.5 (the national standard is ΔE<3). After a 10-year simulated aging test, the sample still maintained 98% of its initial whiteness.
Process compatibility optimization
The new type of antibacterial agent can be perfectly adapted to the existing production process
Addition method: Directly blend into unsaturated polyester resin or quartz sand during the mixing stage
Curing conditions: The same 120℃ high-temperature curing as in the production of conventional artificial stone
Equipment renovation: No new equipment is required. Only the parameters of the antibacterial agent metering pump need to be adjusted
Data from Bitu Quartz Stone production line shows that the addition of antibacterial agents has increased the single-line production capacity by 15%, as it has reduced the downtime caused by cleaning and maintenance.
Iii. Application Scenario Expansion: Comprehensive coverage from home to public Spaces
The high-end residential sector
In kitchen countertop applications, antibacterial artificial stone can effectively block the path of "cross-contamination between raw and cooked food". Experimental simulations show that after the countertop comes into contact with raw meat, the number of colonies on the surface of the antibacterial product is 92% less than that of the ordinary product. In the bathroom setting, its anti-mold performance extends the moldy period of the sealant from three months to over three years.
Innovation of Public Space
Shanghai Hongqiao Airport has used antibacterial artificial stone to build the check-in counters. After a third-party test, the surface colony count was only 38CFU/cm² after one year of use, which is 87% lower than that of traditional materials. Peking Union Medical College Hospital has applied antibacterial artificial stone to the walls of its ICU wards, in combination with a negative pressure system, to reduce the concentration of air colonies to 0.5CFU/m³.
Upgrade of commercial space
Bitmap is an antibacterial bar counter system developed by Starbucks. It uses nano-coating technology to automatically remove coffee stains, increasing the cleaning efficiency by 40%. Its surface hardness reaches 7H (Mohs hardness), which can resist tool scratches and extend its service life to over 15 years
