Gypsum industry news

Europe: Microban International has secured a European patent relating to treated wallboard, increasing its portfolio of wallboard technology patents that include the United States, Canada, Mexico, China, Hong Kong, Australia and Brazil. The patent covers the incorporation of an antimicrobial additive package into the wallboard to resist the growth of mould and mildew. The patented wallboard employs a two-part anti-microbial system and an innovative targeting approach to provide protection against mould, mildew and fungus.

"These types of product patents help us to develop new specific formulations for dealing with microbial issues that wallboard may have, especially in humid or damp areas," said Ivan Ong, VP of research and development. "In wallboard, fungal issues typically occur at the interface between the paper and the gypsum core. Fungal infiltration of this nature can occur without visual cues until it becomes extensive and damaging. The patent provides an effective and manufacturing-friendly method to deliver a combinatorial package of antimicrobial agents to specifically target microbial issues this interface."