Materials science company Corning Incorporated (Corning, New York, USA) recently announced that Corning Guardiant—the company’s new antimicrobial powder additive for paints and surface coating—had demonstrated an ability to kill more than 99.9% of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Paint and coatings containing Corning Guardiant antimicrobial particles were subjected to test methods approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) (Washington, D.C., USA).
According to Corning, the EPA tests provide the first demonstration of highly durable antimicrobial activity against SARS-CoV-2. The efficacy of the antimicrobial technology remained active even after tests simulating six years of scrubbing, which were designed to account for the cleaning that a surface could be subjected to over time.
“We strive to create innovations that make the world a better place,” says Wendell P. Weeks, chairman and chief executive officer for Corning Incorporated. “Our scientists have developed this unique paint additive using our highly engineered glass-ceramic technology. We are excited about the new lab results and look forward to working with our valued partner PPG.”
Corning and PPG (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA) are working together to ensure EPA registration for its paint product formulated with Corning Guardiant, which has been shown to exhibit antimicrobial efficiency when applied to surfaces, consistently reducing germs on contact. Subject to EPA approval, PPG’s antiviral paint product will be available under the name COPPER ARMOR.
“PPG is proud to partner with Corning to continue innovating and creating solutions that address our customers’ greatest needs,” says Michael H. McGarry, PPG chairman and chief executive officer. “We know that now more than ever, our customers are seeking multiple layers of protection as they navigate the COVID-19 pandemic. Following registration with the EPA, we look forward to launching a paint product in the coming months that contains Corning Guardiant, providing customers with an additional safeguard from the Coronavirus in areas that pose a higher health risk.”
For additional information, visit the Corning Guardiant resource center.
Source: Corning Incorporated, www.corning.com.