ANTIMICROBIAL, HYPOALLERGENIC, AND TARNISH-RESISTANT CU-BASED ALLOY AND RELATED METHODS THEREOF
First Claim
1. A copper (Cu) alloy comprising between about 0.5 weight percent (wt %) and about 5 wt % aluminum (Al), and between about 0.5 wt % and about 5 wt % tin (Sn), and the remainder copper and unavoidable impurities, wherein said Cu alloy is antimicrobial, tarnish-resistant and hypoallergenic.
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Abstract
Described herein are ternary alloys of copper (Cu), aluminum (Al) and tin (Sn). For example, the ternary alloys can comprise between about 0.5 weight percent (wt %) and about 5 wt % Al and between about 0.5 wt % and about 5 wt % Sn. The chemical composition of the alloys can be tailored such that the alloy maintains antimicrobial effect over time and is resistant to tarnish. The alloys are also hypoallergenic. Articles of manufacture, particularly those for use in medical facilities, comprising the alloy (e.g., as a surface layer) are also described, as are methods of reducing the incidence of microbial infection by providing surfaces comprising the alloy.
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Citations
23 Claims
- 1. A copper (Cu) alloy comprising between about 0.5 weight percent (wt %) and about 5 wt % aluminum (Al), and between about 0.5 wt % and about 5 wt % tin (Sn), and the remainder copper and unavoidable impurities, wherein said Cu alloy is antimicrobial, tarnish-resistant and hypoallergenic.
- 11. A method of reducing the incidence of microbial infection, the method comprising providing a surface comprising a copper (Cu) alloy, wherein said Cu alloy is antimicrobial, tarnish-resistant and hypoallergenic, further wherein said Cu alloy comprises copper, between about 0.5 weight percent (wt %) and about 5 wt % aluminum (Al), and between about 0.5 wt % and about 5 wt % tin (Sn), and is free of nickel (Ni) and zinc (Zn).
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17. The method of claim 17, wherein a 1.1 cm2 surface of the Cu alloy has about a 100% killing efficiency for E. coli after 24 hours when said surface is contacted with about 2×
- 106 colony forming units (CFU) of E. coli in the presence of an aerated solution of artificial perspiration with a volume of 200 mL or less.
Specification