Give Bacteria the Brush Off
Now your brush products can join the crusade against destructive microbes. The Silvershield line of products powered by AgION(TM) antimicrobial creates an environment hostile to a broad spectrum of bacteria, mold and fungi. It partners silver ions, a naturally occurring inorganic microbe inhibitor, with a zeolite delivery system which allows controlled and effective release of the silver ions over the lifetime of the treated product.. Filaments and molded products with AgION(TM) antimicrobial inhibit the growth of damaging bacteria, reducing cross contamination and eliminating odors caused by bacteria.

The Quest for Clean
According to a US study, most adults consider cleanliness in the kitchen and bathroom to be directly related to microbial growth. Adding Silvershield to your household, institutional, food service and industrial brush products gives your customers the protection they are seeking.

Silvershield to the Rescue
The AgION(TM) antimicrobial compound has been specifically designed for use in thermoplastic polymers. It is mixed into the base resin, becoming part of the filament or molded product. Extremely durable and able to withstand pH levels between 3 and 10, it is well-suited to almost any manufacturing process or product use environment. The AgION(TM) antimicrobial compound has been registered by the EPA and approved by the FDA, NSF and USDA for use in consumer household products, health care products and the food service industry.

What is the AgION(TM) antimicrobial additive?
The AgION(TM) antimicrobial additive is an inorganic ceramic crystal that incorporates the natural protection of silver, an antimicrobial agent that has been used for hundreds of years to prevent bacteria growth. The AgION(TM) antimicrobial additive has passed numerous safety tests (see below) and has been shown to be successful in reducing the growth of bacteria, mold and fungi on surfaces.

How does the AgION(TM) antimicrobial additive work?
The inorganic ceramic is filled with silver ions. These silver ions detach from the ceramic in environments that promote bacterial growth, such as moisture, and migrate to the surface of the product. At the surface, the silver ions come in contact with the microbes and prevent their growth by inhibiting cell respiration and replication.

How is the AgION(TM) antimicrobial additive used?
The AgION(TM) antimicrobial additive is combined into the filament during processing so that it becomes an integral part of the filament. The additive is processed similarly to a color additive and does not degrade the mechanical properties of the filament itself. The end user will not see any difference between an antimicrobial brush and a regular brush. The difference will be noticed when the odor and discloration due to bacteria is not present after a period of use.

Is the AgION(TM) antimicrobial additive safe?
AgION(TM) Technologies had performed extensive tests to ensure that the antimicrobial protection is safe for the consumer. The product is registered by the EPA, recognized by the FDA and is NSF certified for Standard 51.

How durable are the Silvershield line of filaments and molded products?
The AgION(TM) additive will not affect the durability of the fiber or molded product. The additive has been specifically designed for use in thermoplastic polymers. It can tolerate temperatures to 800° C and pH levels between 3 and 10. It is well-suited to almost any manufacturing process or product use environment.

Be the Knight in Shining Armor
Incorporate Silvershield into your product line to give your customers added protection and value. Damsels around the world will thank you!

Photo taken of fibers containing AgION(TM) antimicrobial additive. The white specks
on the surface of the fibers contain
the antimicrobial silver ions.

Which Monahan Filaments' products will contain the AgION(TM) antimicrobial additive?
Our Silvershield line includes:
  • Prostran
  • Plyer
  • Wytex
  • Molded porducts

Monahan Filaments has certified the function of this antimicrobial into all of our various polymer groups. These include:
  • Polypropylene
  • Polyester
  • Nylon 6-0, 6-6, 6-10, and 6-12
  • Polystryene

Which other industries are using the AgION(TM) antimicrobial additive?
Currently, Monahan Filaments is the only company that is actively marketing a monofilament with the AgION(TM) antimicrobial compound. There are numerous companies in different industries that are revolutionizing their individual products by incorporating AgION(TM). Mile High Corp. is using AgION(TM) to prevent the growth of bacteria on the inside walls of their ice machines. Honeywell International, Inc. is using AgION(TM) to prevent the growth of mold and fungus on their humidifier wicks. AK Steel Corporation is coating their steel coils with AgION(TM) for HVAC, food prep and medical applications. Vygon LTD is currently including AgION(TM) into their medical catheters. Teva is incorporating AgION(TM) into their topsoles to prevent ordor from bacteria. Each company has their own individual reasons for using the AgION(TM) antimicrobial additive, but they are all associated with contributing to a more hygienic environment that the consumer is demanding.

Why are so many compapies using antimicrobials?
From the grocery store to the hardware store, appliance outlets to shoe stores, hundreds of products are promoting antibacterial claims. Increased consumer concern about hygienic environments has led to consumer desire to purchase products which can claim antimicrobial properties.

The AgION(TM) name is branded onto all of the products that use the AgION(TM) antimicrobial additive. The branding of AgION(TM) is used to insure that there is consumer awareness of the safety and effectiveness that the AgION(TM) antimicrobial additive offers. With a branded antimicrobial, the consumer associates the AgION(TM) name that they see in their doctor's office, on their footware, or on their refrigerator with items that they routinely purchase for their home.