A new concrete protectant integrates antimicrobial technology into a concrete admixture. Microban International, global leader in antimicrobial solutions, and MarMac Applied Infrastructure Sciences (AIS) announced a new partnership focused on developing, testing, and producing products that protect and extend the life of concrete infrastructure.
The partnership debuted in the launch of MarMac’s Concrete Admixture AMX 5500, which successfully integrates Microban’s antimicrobial technology to inhibit damaging bacterial growth in treated concrete. Designed for use in all forms of concrete, this antimicrobial admixture provides an innovative new solution for the building materials industry to help prevent both staining and Microbial-Induced Corrosion of Concrete (MICC).
“Microban’s partnership with MarMac is a story of like-minded innovators seeking solutions for our customers,” says Steve Lutes, director of business development at Microban. “This is an exciting collaboration. Integrating antimicrobial technology into the manufacturing process of building products can help avoid product degradation, and we’re thrilled to see this product sustainability solution come to life with MarMac.”
By utilizing Microban antimicrobial technology, AMX 5500 creates an inhospitable environment for bacteria growth because the active ingredient works to rupture the microbial cells and terminally disrupt the cell walls of fungi, molds, and mildew. The product protection won’t alter the visual appearance of cured concrete, won’t wash away, and lasts the lifetime of the treated structure.
“Our customers came to us with this problem, and Microban stepped up immediately to provide the best technologies and product to help,” says Jamie Martin, president of MarMac’s AIS division.
RANGE OF APPLICATIONS
Microban-powered AMX 5500 is ideal for all construction environments and particularly important for products used in humid and challenging environmental conditions, such as sewer/sanitary infrastructure, where sulfide producing microbes commonly damage critical infrastructure.
AMX 5500 is also effective in reducing aesthetically damaging stains from molds and mildews in a wide variety of commercial and residential concrete, from parking garages and commercial buildings to sidewalks, driveways, patios, and pool decks. The product may be used in any new concrete structure requiring permanent product protection from bacterial growth and MICC, based on standard lab test method ASTM C1904-20.
In fact, ASTM testing of the MarMac’s Concrete Admixture AMX 5500 with Microban has shown that treated concrete retains 42.1 percent more strength compared to untreated concrete in controlled laboratory degradation testing. Independent and third party testing also certified AMX 5500 to be effective in the inhibition of mold and mildew growth staining in and on concrete.
Additionally, AMX 5500 is safe to use and has minimal potential environmental impact. “We were able to design a water-based, ultra-low VOC formulation, which when used properly is both safe and effective,” states Dr. Timothy Boone, director of formulations at MarMac AIS. “This product reflects our commitment at AIS to take advantage of very new technologies to create safer and more effective chemistry products which help protect our world’s infrastructure.”
The application of Microban for the building materials industry and the partnership with MarMac is a continuation of Microban’s history of custom formulating for customer applications and criteria.
“We’re committed to helping manufacturers across multiple industry sectors improve their products through use of Microban antimicrobial technologies,” says Michael Ruby, president of Microban. “We are proud to help power MarMac products for the residential, commercial pour-in-place, and precast concrete infrastructure markets in prolonging the functional life and aesthetic performance of concrete through AMX 5500. We look forward to expanding our partnership in the future to develop more cutting-edge solutions for downstream concrete customers.”
for more information
MarMac Applied Infrastructure Sciences is a chemical, engineering, and formulations research and development laboratory focused on producing cutting-edge polymeric coatings, concrete admixtures, and surface treatments for below-grade and above-grade structures. For more, visit www.marmac.com/ais/.
Part of Barr Brands International, Microban International is home to well-known global brands in the antimicrobial, odor control, and sanitization/disinfection markets, Microban and Ultra-Fresh. For more, visit www.microban.com.