Toagosei Annual R&D Report “TREND” – Issue No. 27

NOVARON® IV4000 is a silver-free inorganic antiviral processing agent for resins, developed as an antiviral additive for plastics and an antiviral agent for resin compounding. Unlike conventional silver-based materials, which may require higher loading and discolor after light exposure, this white powder provides high antiviral activity in plastic at low dose. With a particle size of approx. 10 μm, heat resistance of at least 300°C, moisture content below 1 wt%, and bulk density of approx. 0.8 g/cm³, it is easy to handle and incorporate into molded products.

At only 2 wt%, NOVARON IV4000 reduced influenza A virus infection titers by more than 99.99% in injection-molded ABS and PET; 2.5 wt% gave the same reduction in PP. A 0.08 wt% water dispersion reduced the viral infection titer by more than 99% after one minute and below the detection limit after five minutes, demonstrating rapid antiviral activity. It also showed strong antibacterial performance against E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus in ABS, PET, and PP. This supports use as a low loading antiviral additive, 2 wt% antiviral additive, influenza antiviral plastic additive, antiviral additive for ABS resin or polypropylene, and antiviral resin additive for molded products.

A key advantage is minimal impact on resin properties. In tensile testing, ABS containing 2 wt% IV4000 showed little change in yield stress, fracture stress, or strain versus untreated ABS, supporting antiviral plastic design with minimal property loss. Because IV4000 contains no silver, PP containing 3 wt% showed almost no color change after light exposure, unlike a silver-based comparison, supporting color stability and antiviral plastic without significant discoloration under the reported test. Resin kneading offers durable, low-cost processing compared with surface coating, making IV4000 a candidate for antiviral plastics in household goods, home appliances, interior and building materials, and surfaces such as handles and switches. Performance and compatibility should be confirmed for each resin, molding process, and finished product.