Cetavlon-Treated PVC Pipe

    This demonstration piece was made to show color effects and feel comparisons of different concentrations of cetavlon ("QAB-16", hexadecyl-trimethyl-ammonium bromide) in a clear, colorless base of polyurethane varnish. Self-sterilization rates are marked on the variously treated sections. The concentrations shown were 2%, 1%, 0.5%, 0.25%, 0.125% and 0%. The minimum effective (i.e.: self-sterilizes within 15 seconds) is 1%.

    You see that color is not effected, while gloss and texture are: gloss and slight roughness is seen above 0.5%. This, however, would be desirable on railings, which should not be slippery to a hand grasping it in the panic of falling.

    The demonstration model was placed out-of-doors for 24 hrs of continuous rain during Hurricane Isabel before it was tested for self-sterilizing effectiveness. When damp, it is NOT slippery. It was tested again 5 months later with only slight loss of effectiveness.