There are discoveries of communicable diseases in the public space daily. Kiosks are heavily used and come in contact with germs and various pathogens due to frequent handling by customers.
With the creation of antimicrobial coatings for kiosks, you have a chance to minimize the risk and improve public health.
If you are unclear about how antimicrobial coatings work, you can review the breakdown of the different types and their ideal conditions below.
What is an Antimicrobial Coating?
Antimicrobial coatings are specialized surface treatments that prevent the growth of bacteria.
Essentially, the antimicrobial coating powder or additives inhibit cell reproduction. The recommended coatings vary depending on the high-risk areas in which they are set up.
These coatings can be applied to various surfaces, transforming them into environments that actively resist the reproduction of these harmful microorganisms.
The primary goal is to provide a clean and safe surface, which is crucial in high-traffic areas where public interaction is common.
Kiosks that are heavily used in medical facilities and many fast-food outlets need these antimicrobial coatings to help reduce the spread of pathogens by providing a protective barrier for both users and operators.
Types of Antimicrobial Coatings
Antimicrobial coatings are intended to tackle different concerns. Each type of antimicrobial additive for coatings is designed to inhibit the growth of various microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
You can review the evaluation of four common types– silver-based technologies, copper coating, photocatalytic, and organosilanes.
Silver-based Technologies
These silver-based technologies disrupt microbial cell functions, leading to cell death. These coatings eliminate the risk of bacterial reproduction and make surfaces more hygienic.
Silver-based technology is often employed in healthcare settings and is increasingly being used in kiosks, particularly those in medical environments.
Copper Touch Surfaces
Many antimicrobial powder coatings that contain copper are used to kill a wide range of pathogens upon contact. Kiosk screens or displays may withstand bacteria better, making them ideal for most environments.
Photocatalytic Coatings
Photocatalytic coatings utilize light-activated processes to eliminate microorganisms. These antimicrobial coatings are often titanium dioxide-based, which react when exposed to well-lit areas to break down organic materials and kill pathogens.
This technology is especially useful in outdoor kiosks or those placed in well-lit environments.
Organosilanes
Organosilanes are a relatively new type of antimicrobial coating. They are antimicrobial additives for coatings that chemically bond to surfaces. These coatings create a barrier that disrupts the cell membranes of microbes, preventing their growth.
The use of organosilanes can significantly affect adhesion, moisture resistance, corrosion resistance, and how a kiosk withstands weathering. They are particularly effective in commercial and food industry kiosks.
How Antimicrobial Coatings Work
Surface Modification
Surface modification is where the antimicrobial coating makes the surface of the object repellant to outside factors such as dirt and germs.
It effectively makes the surface inhospitable for most microbial growth. It overall changes the texture to reduce bacteria sticking to the surface.
Chemical Modification
Chemical modification uses active agents that attack and kill bacteria and other germs on contact. They also help to prevent the growth of bacteria in that environment.
Silver is an example of a chemical antimicrobial additive for coatings, which is widely used.
Physical Modification
The intention behind physical modification is to warp or change the textures of surfaces.
Antimicrobial coating powder that physically modifies surfaces disrupts the general adhesion of bacteria and other viruses, which makes it harder for bacteria to settle and grow. This ultimately reduces the risk of contamination on a surface.
Benefits of Antimicrobial Coatings for Kiosks
Continuous Protection Against Microbes
Antimicrobial coatings provide the advantage of continuous protection without the regular interference of a human to act as a shield.
Daily cleaning methods are effective temporarily, whereas antimicrobial coatings can significantly reduce microbial presence over extended periods without needing a refresh.
Long-lasting Effects
Many antimicrobial coatings are designed to withstand wear and tear, maintaining their efficacy even after repeated contact. This long-lasting protection makes them ideal for high-traffic environments, ensuring that kiosks remain hygienic over time.
Safe for Public Use
Antimicrobial coatings are generally safe for public use as they do not contain harmful chemicals that could pose health risks. They typically use naturally occurring materials and safe-to-touch chemical mixtures.
There are many regulations that govern the production of antimicrobial coatings. In addition, there is ongoing research to create safer alternatives and minimize potential environmental impacts by making them more biodegradable.
This makes them suitable for kiosks in several industries, such as healthcare, food and food distribution, and commercial/ retail.
Applications of Antimicrobial Coatings in Kiosks
Several types of antimicrobial coatings exist to tackle issues in different environments.
Kiosks, whether used for medical, commercial, or informational purposes, are high-touch surfaces that often become hotspots for germs and bacteria.
However, antimicrobial coatings can significantly reduce recontamination by external factors such as the environment and user handling. The introduction of antimicrobial additives for coatings promotes a safer user experience.
Medical and Commercial Kiosks
Antimicrobial coatings are used on all high-touch surfaces in healthcare settings. They help with the reduction of transferable diseases in a space where most people are already vulnerable.
The rate of surface contamination is a key issue in hospitals, and antimicrobial coatings add an extra layer of protection, along with regular disinfection.
Although the cleaning procedures are constantly re-evaluated, antimicrobial coatings on several surfaces are the first line of defense.
However, the probability of recontamination is high in these industries even after scheduled disinfection and cleaning. A kiosk with antimicrobial coating can eliminate or at least repel pathogens. It also makes kiosks more durable and provides peace of mind.
Food Industry Kiosks
Kiosks used in the food industry for ordering or payment are particularly susceptible to contamination. Antimicrobial coatings can help ensure that surfaces remain clean and safe for food handling, reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses.
These coatings on kiosks are still used in tandem with disposable gloves worn by employees and disinfected daily.
Information and Interactive Kiosks
Information kiosks in shopping malls or airports must maintain a clean and safe environment to prevent the spread of germs.
Antimicrobial coating powders or additives help the protection last for longer periods as constant cleaning in heavily trafficked areas may be difficult at different times of the day.
The Future of Antimicrobial Coatings
With advancements in nanotechnology, antimicrobial coatings are transforming.
They provide both antimicrobial properties and also add functionalities like self-cleaning and self-repair, constantly adapting to changes in the area of installation and general surroundings.
Trends in Nanomaterials and Smart Coatings
Nanomaterials are progressing over time to cover an increased surface area while providing enhanced self-repair and reactivity to bacteria. This makes them highly effective and provides even longer-lasting protection.
The improvements in nanomaterials and antimicrobial additives for coatings using silver, copper, and zinc oxide have made them more potent against bacteria, viruses, and fungi– overall increasing hygienic use.
The development of smart coating also allows the surfaces to react to external factors such as light, increased moisture, temperature, and other changes in the environment.
These coatings can adapt their properties in real time, enhancing their effectiveness and usability.
Conclusion
There will always be questions about health and safety concerns when using a public kiosk and the heavy user traffic.
However, using the right antimicrobial coatings can eliminate some of these concerns. These coatings are intended to keep your kiosks safe and durable for extended periods.
If you want to learn more, message us today.
