Broadly defined
sol-gel films for the
coating of
solid substrates, wherein such
sol-gel films provide effective and durable
antimicrobial properties, are provided. The utilization of such films permits relatively low-temperature production of
antimicrobial substrates, such as ceramics, metals (e.g., stainless steel,
brass, and the like), plastics (e.g., polyimides), glass (e.g., borosilicates, and the like), as compared with typical glazes for ceramics and the like. The inventive films comprise, as the primary
antimicrobial active ingredients, certain inorganic antimicrobial compounds, such as, preferably,
metal-containing
ion-exchange,
oxide, and / or
zeolite compounds (most preferably, including silver therein as the
metal component). Preferably, also, the particular
solid substrate to which such films are applied should exhibit substantially high melting and / or heat
distortion temperatures to permit high temperature curing of the films to the
solid substrate surface (in the range of 300-800° C., for example). If the
solid substrate melts or distorts, the antimicrobial activity of the ultimate composite is drastically reduced. End uses for such film-coated articles include bathroom fixtures, furniture, and any other surface that exhibits the high melt and / or heat
distortion temperatures noted above and requires antimicrobial characteristics. The specific method of producing such films is also encompassed within this invention.