Antibacterial glass composition, method for producing antibacterial glass powder, and home appliance containing the same

Abstract

The present invention discloses an antimicrobial glass composition, a method for producing such an antimicrobial glass powder, and a home appliance incorporating the same. The antimicrobial glass composition utilizes the ratio of the content of a modifying oxide to a network-forming oxide to control the dissolution of Zn and Sn ions required for antimicrobial function, thereby achieving network formation and thereby ensuring both antimicrobial activity and water resistance. As a result, the antimicrobial glass composition, the method for producing such an antimicrobial glass powder, and the home appliance incorporating the same exhibit non-dissolution properties. Therefore, when used as a coating agent for components that come into contact with drinking water, the composition exhibits excellent antimicrobial properties, including those related to bacteria and mold.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to an antibacterial glass composition, a method for preparing the antibacterial glass powder and a household appliance comprising the antibacterial glass composition. Background Art

[0002] Microorganisms such as pathogens, fungi, and bacteria are ubiquitous in our living spaces, including in water purifiers, refrigerators, ovens, and washing machines. If these microorganisms enter the human body, they can cause life-threatening infections. Therefore, there is a need for antimicrobial glass compositions that can control the spread of microorganisms in household appliances such as water purifiers, refrigerators, ovens, and washing machines.

[0003] In such home appliances, bacteria and molds grow on parts exposed to moisture among parts made of plastic injection molding, thereby causing problems with appearance and usage environment.

[0004] The bacteria that inhabit home appliances are extremely diverse, and the dominant strains may vary depending on the component. However, Pseudomonas aeruginosa is generally more likely to inhabit components exposed to moisture.

[0005] Therefore, antimicrobial agents need to ensure antimicrobial properties against this strain. In addition, antimicrobial agents need to be carefully selected from materials with low toxicity to humans and the environment, that is, materials that are resistant to high temperatures.

[0006] Antimicrobial agents can be broadly categorized as inorganic and organic. Organic antimicrobial agents exhibit excellent antimicrobial properties by dissolving antimicrobial materials onto the surface through water, where they exert antimicrobial activity against bacteria. However, their durability may be compromised when used in washing machines. Furthermore, concerns have recently been raised about the harmful effects of dissolved materials on the human body and the environment. Furthermore, due to their low decomposition temperature, they pose a risk of decomposition during the injection molding process.

[0007] Although inorganic antimicrobial agents have much lower solubility than organic antimicrobial agents and can ensure high-temperature durability, they may cause wettability problems at the interface with plastic injection moldings. Moreover, since most antimicrobial materials use Ag, their high cost limits their application.

[0008] Existing non-eluting antibacterial glass does not mean that the entire glass is non-eluting. Instead, the glass composed of a water-insoluble glass matrix and ions or crystalline phase components that are eluted for the purpose of antibacterial properties is named non-eluting glass.

[0009] As a result, in order to exhibit antimicrobial activity, the ions or crystalline phases that exhibit antimicrobial properties need to be dissolved out. However, existing dissolution-based antimicrobial glasses have difficulty demonstrating long-term durability and have limited safety when used in parts that come into contact with drinking water. Summary of the Invention

[0010] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0011] The present invention aims to provide an antibacterial glass composition, a method for producing the antibacterial glass powder, and a household appliance containing the antibacterial glass composition. The antibacterial glass composition differs from the existing dissolution mechanism and can permanently exert a sustained antibacterial effect even if the glass does not react with water at all in water.

[0012] Furthermore, the present invention aims to provide an antibacterial glass composition, a method for producing the antibacterial glass powder, and household appliances comprising the same. The antibacterial glass composition comprises a glass composition wherein the components and their ratios are strictly controlled, so that Zn and Sn ions, which are components exhibiting antibacterial properties, participate in a network-forming structure, thereby forming a strong glass structure that does not dissolve in water. This allows the glass to exert antibacterial properties without dissolving in water by controlling the surface charge of the glass.

[0013] Furthermore, the present invention aims to provide an antimicrobial glass composition, a method for producing the antimicrobial glass powder, and a household appliance comprising the antimicrobial glass composition. The antimicrobial glass composition exhibits non-eluting properties by strictly controlling the individual components of the glass composition and their component ratios. Thus, when used as a coating agent for components that come into contact with drinking water, the antimicrobial glass composition can be excellently effective in preventing contamination by bacteria, mold, and the like.

[0014] The objectives of the present invention are not limited to the objectives mentioned above. Those skilled in the art will clearly understand other objectives and advantages of the present invention not mentioned above through the following description, and will further understand them through the embodiments of the present invention. In addition, the objectives and advantages of the present invention can be easily achieved through the methods and combinations thereof set forth in the claims.

[0015] Technical solutions to the problem

[0016] The antimicrobial glass composition, the method for producing the antimicrobial glass powder, and the home appliance containing the antimicrobial glass composition of the present invention utilize the content ratio of modified oxides and network-forming oxides to control the Zn and Sn ions dissolved to achieve antimicrobial function to form a network, thereby ensuring both antimicrobial activity and water resistance.

[0017] Furthermore, in the antibacterial glass composition, the method for producing the antibacterial glass powder, and the household appliance containing the antibacterial glass composition of the present invention, the metal ions within the glass charge the surface of the glass, i.e., the zeta potential is positively charged. This sterilizes the glass by attracting bacteria that normally have a negative charge and creating a charged atmosphere in which the bacteria cannot grow.

[0018] As a result, the antimicrobial glass composition, the method for producing the antimicrobial glass powder, and the home appliance containing the antimicrobial glass composition of the present invention are antimicrobial agents that exhibit non-eluting properties. Therefore, when used as a coating agent for components that come into contact with drinking water, they have an excellent effect in preventing contamination by bacteria, mold, etc.

[0019] To this end, the antibacterial glass composition of the present invention comprises 26 to 50 wt% of SiO2, 0.5 to 4 wt% of one or more of B2O3 and P2O5, 15 to 27 wt% of one or more of Na2O and K2O, 3 to 20 wt% of one or more of CaO, MgO and WO3, and 22 to 44 wt% of one or more of ZnO and SnO.

[0020] In addition, the antibacterial glass composition of the present invention may further contain 0.1 wt % or less of one or more of Ag2O, Ag3PO4 and AgNO3.

[0021] Effects of the Invention

[0022] According to the present invention, by strictly controlling the individual components of the glass composition and their component ratios, Zn and Sn ions, which are components that exhibit antimicrobial properties, participate in the network-forming structure, thereby forming a strong glass structure that does not dissolve in water. This makes it possible to exert antimicrobial properties by controlling the surface charge of the glass without dissolving in water.

[0023] Furthermore, according to the present invention, since the water-insoluble antimicrobial agent is composed of a multi-purpose antimicrobial component, it can be used permanently when used as a coating material for glass shelves or an additive for plastic injection molded products.

[0024] Furthermore, according to the present invention, since the antimicrobial agent exhibits a non-eluting property, it has an excellent effect of preventing contamination by bacteria, mold, etc. when used as a coating agent for parts that come into contact with drinking water.

[0025] When describing specific embodiments below, specific effects of the present invention will be described together with the above-mentioned effects. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Figure 1 1 is a process flow chart showing a method for producing antibacterial glass powder according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] The foregoing objects, features, and advantages are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the technical concepts of the present invention. In the process of describing the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of the relevant known technology may obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description thereof will be omitted. Preferred embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals represent the same or similar components.

[0028] Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, expressions in the singular used in this specification include the plural. Terms such as "comprising" or "including" in this specification should not be interpreted as necessarily including all the various constituent elements or steps described in the specification, but should be interpreted as not including some of the constituent elements or steps, or including additional constituent elements or steps.

[0029] Hereinafter, the antibacterial glass composition, the method for producing the antibacterial glass powder, and the household appliance containing the antibacterial glass composition according to some embodiments of the present invention will be described.

[0030] The antibacterial glass composition of the embodiment of the present invention has a different dissolution mechanism from the existing one. Even if the glass does not react with water at all, it can still permanently exert an antibacterial effect with a lasting effect.

[0031] To this end, in order to utilize the intermediate oxide to act as a modifying oxide and a network-forming oxide during glass formation, the antibacterial glass composition of the embodiment of the present invention can control the various components and their component ratios so that Zn and Sn ions exhibiting antibacterial properties participate in the network-forming structure, thereby forming a strong glass structure that does not dissolve in water. The antibacterial properties can be exerted without dissolving in water by controlling the surface charge of the glass.

[0032] As described above, the antibacterial glass composition of the embodiment of the present invention utilizes the content ratio of the modifying oxide and the network-forming oxide to control the dissolution of Zn ions and Sn ions to form a network for achieving the antibacterial function, thereby ensuring both antibacterial activity and water resistance.

[0033] Furthermore, the mechanism of antibacterial properties exhibited in the present invention is that the metal ions in the glass charge the surface of the glass, i.e., the zeta potential is positively charged, thereby attracting negatively charged bacteria and forming a charged atmosphere where bacteria cannot grow, thereby sterilizing the glass.

[0034] At this time, the elements for producing an antimicrobial glass composition having excellent durability can be roughly divided into two types.

[0035] First, the glass matrix determines chemical durability by forming a glass structure. This plays a similar role to the carrier of existing inorganic antimicrobial agents, that is, it disperses the material exhibiting antimicrobial properties on the surface.

[0036] The difference lies in the fact that conventional carriers carry the antimicrobial component on the surface of an inorganic antimicrobial agent, whereas in this invention, the metal material exhibiting antimicrobial properties exists in ionic form within the glass matrix. Therefore, to create a durable glass matrix, not only is the content ratio of glass formers such as SiO2 and B2O3 important, but the combined ratio of alkali components (the mixed alkali effect in glass) is also crucial. This means that the mechanical properties of the glass can vary nonlinearly depending on the ratio of alkali components.

[0037] Second, there's the effect of the metal components contained in the glass. While metal components can be considered the primary factor in antimicrobial performance, the antimicrobial properties of each component vary widely. Furthermore, interactions with components within the glass matrix can lead to differences in durability depending on whether they are ionically or covalently bonded. Therefore, optimizing the compositional ratio of antimicrobial glass is crucial.

[0038] To this end, the antibacterial glass composition of an embodiment of the present invention includes 26 to 50 weight percent of SiO2, 0.5 to 4 weight percent of one or more of B2O3 and P2O5, 15 to 27 weight percent of one or more of Na2O and K2O, 3 to 20 weight percent of one or more of CaO, MgO, and WO3, and 22 to 44 weight percent of one or more of ZnO and SnO.

[0039] In addition, the antibacterial glass composition of the embodiment of the present invention may further include less than 0.1 wt % of one or more of Ag2O, Ag3PO4 and AgNO3.

[0040] Since the antibacterial glass composition of the embodiment of the present invention is a water-insoluble antibacterial agent formed by multi-purpose antibacterial components, it can be used permanently when used as a coating material for glass shelves and an additive for plastic injection moldings.

[0041] Furthermore, since the antimicrobial glass composition of the embodiment of the present invention is an antimicrobial agent exhibiting non-eluting properties, it has an excellent effect of preventing contamination by bacteria, mold, etc. when used as a coating agent for components that come into contact with drinking water.

[0042] Next, the functions and contents of the components of the antibacterial glass composition according to the embodiment of the present invention are described in detail.

[0043] SiO2, B2O3 and P2O5 are network-forming oxides that form the framework structure of glass and are the core components that achieve vitrification through covalent bonding.

[0044] SiO2 is a glass former that enables vitrification and, in terms of glass structure, serves as a core component that provides a framework. Exceeding an appropriate SiO2 content increases the viscosity of the molten glass, leading to decreased workability and yield during cooling. While SiO2 does not directly contribute to antimicrobial activity, it does, compared to the typical network-forming oxide P2O5, reduce the formation of OH- groups on the glass surface, facilitating positive surface charge through metal ions within the glass.

[0045] Therefore, SiO2 is preferably added in an amount of 26-50% by weight of the total weight of the antimicrobial glass composition of the present invention, with a more preferred range of 30-36% by weight. When the SiO2 addition amount is less than 26% by weight, the glass may deviate from the vitrification region due to a lack of network-forming oxides, potentially causing opalescence or inhomogeneous properties mixed with clear glass. Conversely, when the SiO2 addition amount exceeds 50% by weight, it becomes difficult to control the surface charge of the glass to a positive value, potentially resulting in a decrease in antimicrobial activity.

[0046] B2O3 and P2O5 are representative network-forming oxides and are core components that, along with SiO2, achieve sufficient vitrification. B2O3 and P2O5 have low melting points, which allows them to lower the eutectic point of the melt. Furthermore, during the melting process used for vitrification, B2O3 and P2O5 increase the solubility of rigid components (such as Al2O3 and CuO), thereby helping to form homogeneous glass. However, adding B2O3 and P2O5 above the specified amount can weaken the glass's bonding structure, leading to decreased water resistance and other issues.

[0047] Therefore, it is preferred that only trace amounts of B2O3 and P2O5 be used to lower the melting point in order to achieve water-insoluble antimicrobial glass.

[0048] To this end, it is preferred that one or more of B2O3 and P2O5 be added at a ratio of 0.5 to 4% by weight relative to the total weight of the antimicrobial glass composition of the present invention. If the added amount of one or more of B2O3 or P2O5 is less than 0.5% by weight, insufficient flux may cause the glass to depart from the vitrification region, resulting in unmelted glass. Conversely, if the added amount of one or more of B2O3 or P2O5 exceeds 4% by weight, structural issues with B and P within the network-forming structure may result in reduced water resistance due to the inherent properties of these elements.

[0049] In the present invention, preferably, SiO2 is added in a content higher than that of B2O3, because a higher addition amount of SiO2 than that of B2O3 is beneficial for ensuring water resistance.

[0050] Alkali oxides, such as Na2O and K2O, act as network modifiers within the glass composition, forming non-crosslinked bonds. While these components cannot achieve vitrification on their own, they can when mixed with network formers such as SiO2 and B2O3 in a prescribed ratio. If a glass composition contains only one of SiO2 and B2O3, the durability of the glass may be weakened within the vitrifiable region. However, if the glass composition contains two or more of SiO2 and B2O3, the durability of the glass can be further improved, depending on their ratio. This is known as the mixed alkali effect.

[0051] Therefore, alkali metal oxides such as Na2O and KO enhance antimicrobial activity by initially occupying modified oxide sites within the glass. Furthermore, alkali metal oxides such as Na2O and KO facilitate the formation of a network between ZnO and SnO, acting as intermediate oxides, thereby enhancing durability and contributing to the antimicrobial activity based on water insolubility and surface charge.

[0052] Preferably, one or more of Na2O and K2O is added at a ratio of 15-27% by weight of the total weight of the antimicrobial glass composition of the present invention. If the amount of one or more of Na2O and K2O added is less than 15% by weight, insufficient flux may result, leading to the formation of unmelted material due to deviation from the vitrification region. Conversely, if the amount of one or more of Na2O and K2O added exceeds 27% by weight, the basic dissolution mechanism of glass causes alkali ions to readily exchange with H3O+ ions in water, accelerating dissolution and potentially reducing water resistance.

[0053] Here, it is more preferable to add 5 to 18 wt% of Na2O and 5 to 13 wt% of K2O.

[0054] Furthermore, it is preferable to add Na2O and K2O within a range satisfying the following formula 1.

[0055] Formula 1: 0.5≤[Na2O] / [K2O]≤1.5

[0056] Here, [ ] represents the content ratio of each component.

[0057] This is because if the range of the above formula 1 is deviated, the melting point depression effect based on the eutectic point of Na2O-K2O may be reduced, resulting in deviating from vitrification.

[0058] Alkaline earth oxides such as CaO, MgO, and WO3 are oxides that essentially function as modifying oxides that form non-crosslinked bonds within glass. Although they cannot be vitrified on their own, they can be vitrified if mixed with network formers such as SiO2 and B2O3 at a specified ratio.

[0059] Unlike alkali oxides, alkaline earth oxides such as CaO, MgO, and WO3 have a +2 charge, requiring replacement with two water molecules. This makes ion exchange relatively difficult, and thus they can also be used as durability-enhancing elements. Therefore, alkaline earth oxides such as CaO, MgO, and WO3 are used for the same purpose as alkali oxides, indirectly contributing to water insolubility and antimicrobial properties structurally by occupying durability-strengthening points and modifying oxide sites in modified oxides.

[0060] Preferably, one or more of CaO, MgO, and WO3 is added at a ratio of 3 to 20% by weight of the total weight of the antimicrobial glass composition of the present invention. If the content of one or more of CaO, MgO, and WO3 is less than 3% by weight, the structure cannot be strengthened at the modified oxide sites, resulting in a decrease in water resistance due to alkali dissolution. Conversely, if the content of one or more of CaO, MgO, and WO3 exceeds 20% by weight, the alkaline earth metal oxide, which melts at high temperatures, cannot fully melt, and thus may leave the vitrification region and form unmelted material.

[0061] ZnO and SnO are components that covalently bond by replacing a portion of the network-forming oxide, thereby acting as both a network-forming oxide and a modified oxide. Furthermore, ZnO and SnO contribute significantly to the antibacterial effect.

[0062] Such ZnO and SnO are intermediate oxides. In order to participate in the network-forming structure in the glass, they should have a small atomic radius and an electronegativity large enough to be close to that of oxygen. Such intermediate oxides refer to components that are difficult to form glass alone due to their large atomic radius and low electronegativity compared to Si, P, and B, which are general network-forming oxides. However, in the presence of network-forming oxides, they play this role by replacing the network-forming oxides. Such ZnO and SnO only act as modifying oxides when their content is below the specified content, but form covalent bonds when their content is above the specified content, rapidly improving durability. Here, the specified content depends on the content of the network-forming oxide and the modifying oxide.

[0063] Therefore, it is preferred that one or more of ZnO and SnO be added at a content ratio of 22 to 44 weight percent relative to the total weight of the antibacterial glass composition of the present invention. If the amount of one or more of ZnO and SnO added is less than 22 weight percent, the absolute amount of the substance required to exhibit antibacterial properties is insufficient, resulting in insufficient antibacterial activity. Conversely, if the amount of one or more of ZnO and SnO added is excessive, exceeding 44 weight percent, it will not be homogeneously present in the glass in an ionic state, and some will crystallize and leave the vitrified region, resulting in opalescence and potential inhomogeneity with clear glass mixed in.

[0064] Ag2O, Ag3PO4, and AgNO3 are active ingredients that exist in glass in an ionic state and exhibit antimicrobial activity. Furthermore, Ag2O, Ag3PO4, and AgNO3 lower the melting point. However, if one or more of Ag2O, Ag3PO4, and AgNO3 is added in an excessive amount exceeding 0.1% by weight, there is a risk of unstable vitrification due to metal precipitation. Therefore, it is preferred that one or more of Ag2O, Ag3PO4, and AgNO3 be added in an amount strictly below 0.1% by weight of the total weight of the antimicrobial glass composition of the present invention.

[0065] Hereinafter, a method for producing antibacterial glass powder according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0066] Figure 1 1 is a process flow chart showing a method for producing antibacterial glass powder according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0067] like Figure 1As shown, the method for manufacturing antibacterial glass powder according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a mixing step S110 , a melting step S120 , a cooling step S130 , and a crushing step S140 .

[0068] [mix]

[0069] In the mixing step S110, 26 to 50 weight percent of SiO2, 0.5 to 4 weight percent of one or more of B2O3 and P2O5, 15 to 27 weight percent of one or more of Na2O and K2O, 3 to 20 weight percent of one or more of CaO, MgO, and WO3, and 22 to 44 weight percent of one or more of ZnO and SnO are mixed and stirred to form an antibacterial glass composition.

[0070] Here, SiO 2 is preferably added in a content higher than that of B 2 O 3 .

[0071] Furthermore, 5 to 18 wt% of Na2O and 5 to 13 wt% of K2O are added.

[0072] Furthermore, it is more preferable to add Na2O and K2O within a range satisfying the following formula 1.

[0073] Formula 1: 0.5≤[Na2O] / [K2O]≤1.5

[0074] Here, [ ] represents the content ratio of each component.

[0075] This is because if the range of the above formula 1 is exceeded, the melting point depression effect based on the eutectic point of Na2O-K2O decreases, resulting in the possibility of vitrification.

[0076] In addition, the antibacterial glass composition may further contain 0.1 wt % or less of one or more of Ag2O, Ag3PO4 and AgNO3.

[0077] [Melting]

[0078] In the melting step S120 , the antimicrobial glass composition is melted.

[0079] In this step, melting is preferably performed at 1,100-1,400°C for 1-60 minutes. If the melting temperature is below 1,100°C or the melting time is less than 1 minute, the antimicrobial glass composition may not be completely melted, resulting in the problem of unmixed glass melt. Conversely, if the melting temperature exceeds 1,400°C or the melting time exceeds 60 minutes, excessive energy and time are required, making the process uneconomical.

[0080] [cool down]

[0081] In the cooling step S130 , the molten antibacterial glass composition is cooled to room temperature.

[0082] In this step, it is preferred to cool the glass in a furnace. In the case of air cooling or water cooling, the glass may be subjected to large internal stress and cracks may occur. Therefore, it is preferred to cool the glass in a furnace.

[0083] [crush]

[0084] In the crushing step S140, the cooled antibacterial glass is crushed. At this time, any one of the well-known ball mills, jet mills, and planetary mills can be selected for crushing.

[0085] The antimicrobial glass is pulverized into fine antimicrobial glass powder by this pulverization. Preferably, the antimicrobial glass powder has an average diameter of 30 μm or less, and more preferably, an average diameter of 5 to 15 μm.

[0086] Through the above processes S110 to S140 , the antibacterial glass powder according to the embodiment of the present invention can be produced.

[0087] In another aspect, a household appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a resin material and a plastic injection molded article containing the antimicrobial glass powder produced by the above method. The household appliance used in the present invention may include, but is not limited to, a water purifier, a washing machine, a floor-standing air conditioner, a system air conditioner, a refrigerator, and the like.

[0088] Here, the plastic injection molding contains 95.0 to 99.0 wt % of a resin material and 1.0 to 5.0 wt % of an antimicrobial glass powder.

[0089] If the antimicrobial glass powder is added in a trace amount, less than 1.0% by weight of the total weight of the plastic injection molded article, the antimicrobial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa may be insufficient. Conversely, if the antimicrobial glass powder is added in an excessive amount, exceeding 5.0% by weight of the total weight of the plastic injection molded article, the mechanical and physical properties may be degraded.

[0090] The resin material includes at least one of PP (polypropylene), PC (polycarbonate), EPDM (ethylene propylene rubber), ABS (acrylonitrile-buradiene-styrene), and HIPS (high impact polystyrene).

[0091] At this time, the antibacterial glass powder includes 26 to 50 weight percent of SiO2, 0.5 to 4 weight percent of one or more of B2O3 and P2O5, 15 to 27 weight percent of one or more of Na2O and K2O, 3 to 20 weight percent of one or more of CaO, MgO and WO3, and 22 to 44 weight percent of one or more of ZnO and SnO.

[0092] Here, 5 to 18 wt% of Na2O and 5 to 13 wt% of K2O are added.

[0093] In addition, Na2O and K2O are preferably added within a range satisfying the following formula 1.

[0094] Formula 1: 0.5≤[Na2O] / [K2O]≤1.5

[0095] Here, [ ] represents the content ratio of each component.

[0096] This is because if the range of the above formula 1 is exceeded, the melting point depression effect based on the eutectic point of Na2O-K2O decreases, resulting in the possibility of vitrification.

[0097] In addition, the plastic injection molding may further include functional additives in addition to the antibacterial glass powder. In this case, the functional additives may include one or more selected from antioxidants, foaming agents, impact modifiers, nucleating agents, coupling agents, and the like.

[0098] Therefore, by being applied to the surfaces of components that are susceptible to bacterial growth and have a high contact with moisture, the household appliance products according to the embodiments of the present invention will obtain antibacterial activity that can prevent the habitat and growth of various microorganisms.

[0099] Example

[0100] The following further illustrates the configuration and function of the present invention by way of preferred embodiments of the present invention, but these are merely preferred examples of the present invention and do not limit the present invention.

[0101] Features not described herein can be derived by a person of ordinary skill in the art, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0102] 1. Preparation of Antibacterial Glass Powder Samples

[0103] Table 1 shows the composition and composition ratio of the antibacterial glass compositions of Examples 1 to 10, and Table 2 shows the composition and composition ratio of the antibacterial glass compositions of Comparative Examples 1 to 8. At this time, the antibacterial glass compositions having the compositions described in Examples 1 to 10 and Comparative Examples 1 to 8 were melted at a temperature of 1,200°C in an electric furnace, and then cooled on a stainless steel plate by air cooling to form glass bulk. Here, antibacterial glass in the form of cullets was obtained only in the case of Examples 1 to 10 and Comparative Examples 2, 4, and 5. Thereafter, the antibacterial glass manufactured according to Examples 1 to 10 and Comparative Examples 2, 4, and 5 was crushed using a ball mill and then passed through a 400-mesh sieve to produce an antibacterial glass powder sample.

[0104] Here, Na2CO3, K2CO3, and CaCO3 were used as the raw materials for the components Na2O, K2O, and CaO, respectively, and the remaining components were the same as those described in Tables 1 and 2. Furthermore, vitrification was distinguished based on whether homogeneous glass properties were present or whether milky white or unmelted material was present.

[0105] [Table 1] (Unit: weight %)

[0106]

[0107] [Table 2] (Unit: weight %)

[0108]

[0109] 2. Evaluation of the physical properties of antibacterial glass powder

[0110] Table 3 shows the results of physical property evaluation of the samples produced according to Examples 1 to 10, and Table 4 shows the results of physical property evaluation of the samples produced according to Comparative Examples 1 to 8.

[0111] 1) Antibacterial activity measurement

[0112] For the homogeneous vitrified Examples 1 to 10 and Comparative Examples 2, 4, and 5, antibacterial evaluation was performed on four bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) according to the flask shaking method (ASTM E2149-13a).

[0113] 2) Chemical durability evaluation

[0114] To evaluate the durability of homogeneously vitrified Examples 1-10 and Comparative Examples 2, 4, and 5, compliance with the dissolution levels of the elements listed in Table 5 below was assessed using the ASTM C1285-14 (Durability Evaluation of Glass and Glass Ceramic) test method, using the WHO guidelines and Korean drinking water standards. Regarding chemical durability, under the conditions of 50°C for 32 hours, if the dissolution level of each element listed in Table 5 was below the reference value, an "O" was indicated; if it was above the reference value, an "X" was indicated.

[0115] [Table 3]

[0116]

[0117] [Table 4]

[0118]

[0119] [Table 5]

[0120] Dissolution amount (ppm) B Zn Mn WHO guidelines 2.4 - - Korean drinking water 1.0 3 0.05

[0121] As shown in Tables 1 to 5, the samples prepared according to Examples 1 to 10 all exhibited antibacterial activity of 99% or more against the four types of bacteria.

[0122] On the contrary, among Comparative Examples 1 to 8, except for Comparative Examples 2, 4, and 5, none of them was homogeneously vitrified.

[0123] Furthermore, although the samples prepared according to Comparative Example 5 exhibited an antibacterial activity of 99% or more against all four bacteria, Comparative Examples 2 and 4 exhibited an antibacterial activity of 80% or less against all four bacteria.

[0124] Furthermore, according to the durability measurement results, it was confirmed that when the samples manufactured according to Examples 1 to 10 were used, no elution of B, Zn, and Mn elements occurred, and excellent chemical durability was exhibited.

[0125] On the contrary, it was confirmed that although the sample manufactured according to Comparative Example 2 did not undergo elution, the samples manufactured according to Comparative Examples 4 and 5 experienced elution, resulting in inferior chemical durability.

[0126] 3. Injection molding manufacturing

[0127] Table 6 shows the results of evaluating the antibacterial effects of injection molded articles produced according to Example 3, Example 7, Comparative Example 2, and Comparative Example 4. Here, 2% by weight of the antibacterial glass powder produced according to Example 3, Example 7, Comparative Example 2, and Comparative Example 4, respectively, was mixed with 98% by weight of PP (polypropylene) resin and then injection molded using an injection molding machine to produce injection molded articles with a width of 200 mm (horizontally), 100 mm (vertically), and 3 mm (thickness). To confirm the antibacterial properties of each injection molded article, the antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli was measured using the ASTM E2149-13a flask shaking method. In addition, the antibacterial activity against Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa was also evaluated.

[0128] [Table 6]

[0129]

[0130] As shown in Table 6, it was confirmed that the antibacterial activity values ​​of the injection molded articles produced according to Examples 3 and 7 were both measured to be 2.0 or higher, indicating an antibacterial activity of 99% or higher.

[0131] In contrast, the antibacterial activity values ​​of the injection molded articles produced according to Comparative Examples 2 and 4 were measured to be lower than 2.0, indicating an antibacterial activity of 80% or less.

[0132] Based on the above experimental results, it can be seen that the injection molded products manufactured according to Examples 3 and 7 have superior antibacterial activity compared to the injection molded products manufactured according to Comparative Examples 2 and 4.

[0133] The present invention has been described above with reference to the exemplary drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments and drawings described in this specification. Persons skilled in the art will be able to make various modifications within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention. Furthermore, even if the effects of the structure of the present invention are not explicitly described when describing the embodiments of the present invention, the effects that can be predicted by the structure should be recognized.

[0134] Description of Reference Numerals

[0135] S110: Mixing step

[0136] S120: Melting step

[0137] S130: Cooling step

[0138] S140: Crushing step

Claims

1. An antibacterial glass composition, wherein: Include: 26-50 wt% SiO2; 0.5 to 4 wt% in total of one or more of B2O3 and P2O5; 5-18 wt% Na2O; 6.7-13 wt% K2O; 3 to 20 wt% in total of one or more of CaO and WO3; and 22-44 wt% ZnO, The content of one or more of the Na2O and the K2O is in the range of 15 to 27 weight %.

2. The antibacterial glass composition according to claim 1, wherein The SiO 2 is added in a content higher than the content of the B 2 O 3 .

3. The antibacterial glass composition according to claim 2, wherein: The SiO2 is added in an amount of 30 to 36 wt%.

4. The antibacterial glass composition according to claim 1, wherein The Na2O and K2O are added within the range of the following formula 1: Formula 1: 0.5≤[Na2O] / [K2O]≤1.5, Here, [ ] represents the content ratio of each component.

5. The antibacterial glass composition according to claim 1, wherein The antibacterial glass composition further comprises less than 0.1 wt % of one or more of Ag2O, Ag3PO4 and AgNO3.

6. A method for producing antibacterial glass powder, wherein: include: (a) forming an antimicrobial glass composition by mixing and stirring 26 to 50 wt% of SiO2, 0.5 to 4 wt% of one or more of B2O3 and P2O5, 5 to 18 wt% of Na2O, 6.7 to 13 wt% of K2O, 3 to 20 wt% of one or more of CaO and WO3, and 22 to 44 wt% of ZnO; (b) a step of melting the antimicrobial glass composition; (c) cooling the molten antimicrobial glass composition; and (d) a step of crushing the cooled antibacterial glass, The content of one or more of the Na2O and the K2O is in the range of 15 to 27 weight %.

7. The method for producing antibacterial glass powder according to claim 6, wherein: In the step (a), the SiO 2 is added in a content higher than that of the B 2 O 3 .

8. The method for producing antibacterial glass powder according to claim 7, wherein: The SiO2 is added in an amount of 30 to 36 wt%.

9. The method for producing antibacterial glass powder according to claim 6, wherein: The Na2O and K2O are added within the range of the following formula 1: Formula 1: 0.5≤[Na2O] / [K2O]≤1.5, Here, [ ] represents the content ratio of each component.

10. The method for producing antibacterial glass powder according to claim 6, wherein: In the step (a), the antibacterial glass composition further comprises less than 0.1 wt % of one or more of Ag2O, Ag3PO4 and AgNO3.

11. The method for producing antibacterial glass powder according to claim 6, wherein: In the step (b), the melting is performed at 1,100 to 1,400° C. for 1 to 60 minutes.

12. A household appliance comprising a plastic injection molded article having antibacterial glass powder added to a resin material, wherein: The plastic injection molding comprises: 95.0 to 99.0 wt% of the resin material; and 1.0 to 5.0 weight percent of the antibacterial glass powder; The antibacterial glass powder comprises: 26 to 50 weight percent of SiO2, 0.5 to 4 weight percent of one or more of B2O3 and P2O5, 5 to 18 weight percent of Na2O, 6.7 to 13 weight percent of K2O, 3 to 20 weight percent of one or more of CaO and WO3, and 22 to 44 weight percent of ZnO. The content of one or more of the Na2O and the K2O is in the range of 15 to 27 weight %.

13. The household appliance according to claim 12, wherein: The resin material includes one or more of PP, PC, EPDM, ABS and HIPS.

14. The household appliance according to claim 12, wherein: The Na2O and K2O are added within the range of the following formula 1: Formula 1: 0.5≤[Na2O] / [K2O]≤1.5, Here, [ ] represents the content ratio of each component.

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