Method of making masterbatches of liquid additives and, in particular, antimicrobial masterbatches

Abstract

A method for introducing relatively large quantities of liquid additives into polymer-containing composition includes increasing the free volume between polymer chains of the polymer(s) present in the composition and introducing at least one liquid additive into the free volume between the polymer chains. The method can optionally include the introduction of low melting additives into the polymer This method allows for the production of polymer masterbatchs from a wide variety of liquid additives that can contain upwards of 50% by weight active components. Such masterbatches can be a particularly useful technique for introducing biocides and/or antimicrobials into polymeric materials.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.