Electric Lifting Coffee Table,Height Adjustable Coffee Table,Liftable Coffee Table,Movable Liftable Coffee Table,Lift Up Coffee Table,Lift Coffee Table Suzhou Uplift Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd , https://www.upliftec.com
The status quo and challenges of domestic and foreign antibacterial materials and their application technology industry development
**The Current Status and Challenges of Domestic and Foreign Antibacterial Materials and Their Application Technologies**
*Dr. Li Bizhong*
Ph.D. Supervisor, Research Fellow, Institute of Physical and Chemical Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chairman of Beijing Lofty Nano Technology Co., Ltd.
Room 2407, Kefang Building, Beijing Chemical Industry Research Institute, West Gate, Tsinghua, Haidian District, Beijing, 100084
TEL: 010-62654047 (FAX), 62654497, E-mail: [example@domain.com]
---
**1. Development of Foreign Antibacterial Materials and Their Application Technologies**
Antibacterial materials are primarily composed of antibacterial agents—chemical compounds that are highly sensitive to microorganisms such as bacteria and mold. These agents are added in small quantities to regular materials to create antibacterial properties. They can be categorized into organic, inorganic, and natural types.
Organic antibacterial agents include traditional fungicides and disinfectants. They offer strong bactericidal effects and are widely available, but they come with drawbacks such as poor safety, microbial resistance, low heat stability, and tendency to migrate from the material. Natural antibacterial agents, while environmentally friendly, often have limited heat resistance and a narrow range of applications. In contrast, inorganic antibacterial agents stand out for their long-lasting effectiveness, lack of resistance development, and excellent heat resistance—often exceeding 600–1000°C. This makes them particularly popular in fields like plastics, fibers, and ceramics.
Inorganic antibacterial agents typically contain metal ions such as silver, zinc, or copper, combined with inorganic carriers like zeolite, phosphate, hydroxyapatite, or silica. These agents work through a slow-release mechanism, ensuring sustained antibacterial performance. Silver ions, for example, are very effective against bacteria, but they are chemically reactive and can oxidize to form brown silver oxide or reduce to black metallic silver, causing discoloration. Additionally, silver-based materials tend to be expensive when used in large quantities.
The widespread use of antibacterial materials began during World War II. German military uniforms were treated with antibacterial finishes, helping to reduce infections among wounded soldiers. By the 1960s, antibacterial fabrics started appearing in civilian products, often using chemicals like organotin and chlorophenol. In the mid-1980s, quaternary amine silane agents became more common in textile treatments.
By the 1980s, the development of antibacterial fibers significantly improved the durability of antibacterial textiles. During the production of synthetic fibers, specific antibacterial agents were incorporated directly into the raw materials. These could be either organic or inorganic in nature.
With the rapid growth of the petrochemical industry, plastic products became essential in daily life. In 1997, global plastic output reached 135 million tons, with an annual growth rate of around 5%. Since the 1980s, antibacterial plastics have been widely applied across various sectors, including household appliances, kitchenware, toys, automotive parts, construction materials, and telecommunications. In Europe and the U.S., antibacterial materials are mainly used in consumer goods and children's products, while Japan has adopted them in nearly all industries, from home appliances to healthcare equipment.
Japan leads globally in the development and application of inorganic antibacterial agents. Major manufacturers like Ishizuka Glass, Shinagawa Fuel, East Asia Synthetic, Zhongfang, and Panasonic dominate the market, holding over 80% of the domestic share. In 1999, sales of antibacterial agents reached 28 billion yen, with inorganic agents accounting for 6 billion yen. The price of these agents dropped from about 12,000–13,000 yen per kilogram in 1994 to 7,600 yen by 1999. Japanese antibacterial plastics reached approximately 74,000 tons in 1999, valued at 600 billion yen, far exceeding levels in other regions.
In Europe and the U.S., organic antibacterial agents are more commonly used. Companies like Ciba, Microban, Morton, and Dupont have played significant roles. However, recently, even some Western companies have begun incorporating inorganic antibacterial agents into their products.
New areas of application include sanitary ceramics, paints, and coatings. Japanese firms like TOTO and INAX have introduced antimicrobial products in bathroom fixtures and toilets.
It is estimated that the usage of antibacterial agents in Japan is 100 times higher than in Europe and America, and 10 times higher than in China. Japan established the Antimicrobial Product Technology Agreement as early as 1993, with over 250 member companies involved in research, production, and application. According to predictions, the international market for antibacterial products could grow tenfold compared to the domestic market in the future.
---
**2. Development and Application of the Antibacterial Materials Industry in China**
Chinese scientists have been researching antibacterial agents and materials for over a decade. Institutes such as the Northwest Nonferrous Metal Research Institute and the Kunming Institute of Precious Metals have explored inorganic antibacterial agents, while others have developed organic ones. A few companies, like Anshan Yuyuan Antibacterial Agent Co., Ltd., have also made progress. However, due to limited research conditions and insufficient investment, China has struggled to build a comprehensive R&D system, and its research outcomes have lagged behind international standards.
China’s economy was historically behind Western developed countries, and people's living standards were relatively low, which slowed the development of the antibacterial materials market. Until the late 1990s, the field remained largely untapped, with only minor applications in anti-corrosion paints. Most other areas had little to no use of antibacterial technology.
Despite these challenges, recent years have seen increased interest in the potential of antibacterial materials, especially in improving public health and product safety. As awareness grows, China is gradually catching up with global trends in this important and evolving field.