The present invention relates to polyurethane compositions with antimicrobial properties, a polyurethane foam or coating comprising said polyurethane com position, an article prepared from said composition, foam or coating, a process for the preparation of said composition, the use of a complexing agent and an antimicrobial agent for the preparation of said composition or for imparting antimicrobial properties to a polyurethane composition, and a kit of compo nents for preparing said composition.

Polyurethane (PU) foams find diverse uses, ranging e.g. from mattresses, home upholstery, car upholstery, to cosmetic/medical applicators for flexible foam types. For thermal or sound insulation applications in the construction or automobile segment other polyurethane foam types are used, so-called hard foams or rigid polyurethane foams.

Flexible foam densities are typically in the range from 40 to 1 ,000 kg/m ³ , more preferably from 40 to 100 kg/m ³ for mattresses. Rigid foams used for insulation purposes present such density levels as well. Typically, these foams are pre pared by adding a toluene diisocyanate (TDI), methylenediphenyl diiso cyanate (MDI), or hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI) component to a polyol component. Polyurethane reaction enables a linear chain extension, if the pol yol component is a diol or a 3-dimensional branched chain extension if the pol yol component is a triol. This reaction is called the curing process. Once the reaction is completed, the system is said to be cured. In general, catalysts are added to the composition to improve the kinetics of the polymerization reac tion.

Blends of polyols with both a triol- and diol-component enable the optimization of desired properties, such as rigidity or elasticity of the cured PU foam. The versatility of the polyurethane chemistry allows the preparation of other polyurethane systems such as adhesives/elastomers or of polyurethane based coatings.

Furthermore, reactive copolymer systems can be easily prepared from the appropriate di-isocyanate/isocyanate compounds and the appropriate polyol or block-copolymer polyol. Hybrid polymer-polyurethane systems can be pre pared imparting advanced properties to the final cured polyurethane product. As a concluding remark, a polyurethane object can be produced in various forms as flexible or rigid foam with high or low density but also as solid elastomer.

Polyurethane articles can be obtained by mixing a part containing a polyol and a part containing an isocyanate. A urethane linkage is formed between the hydroxyl groups and isocyanate moieties. Typically, diisocyanates are used in combination with diols and/or triols to form polyurethane compounds, often with a slight excess of isocyanate groups over the hydroxyl groups.

The term polyol is mainly used for polyhydroxyl compounds such as polyester polyols or polyether polyols or polyether-ester polyols. Other types of poly hydroxyl compounds can also be used to form polyurethanes. Besides the for mation of the urethane linkage other moieties may be formed, intentionally or not, such as urea linkages from the reaction of isocyanate with amine groups. Urea linkages may further react with an isocyanate to form biuret groups.

Reactive polyurethane based elastomers for joinery or sealing often consist of a polyurethane polymer chain terminated with at least two isocyanates groups. It can be obtained by adjusting the amounts of isocyanates versus polyol in a water-free and air-free environment. The presence of residual isocyanate groups allows the polymer to react with air moisture to form amine moieties, which can subsequently react with other polymer sidechains in their direct vicinity, releasing only minimal CO ₂ amounts without expansion. As the reac tion in that case is generally very slow, it is often desired to add dedicated cat alysts to increase the kinetics. Such reactive systems are stored tightly closed and air-free in sealed cartridges or drums, as the air humidity is necessary to complete the crosslinking. Thermoplastic polyurethane can be obtained by a similar strategy by using diols and di-isocyanates only. For polyurethane foams, the foaming process is enabled by the introduction of controlled amounts of water. Water reacts with isocyanate, forming the corre sponding amine and the expansion gas CO2. Introduction of further water may cause over-foaming, sometimes followed by foam collapsing.

However, with the aid of additives, the foaming characteristics may be adjusted to the desired level as far as it may be possible. Those additives comprise for example silicone-based surfactants to control the foam and acetone as a blow ing agent. Furthermore, the molecular weight of the diol/triol plays a significant role on the physical properties of the cured foam. Shorter polyol molecules and a higher number of cross-linkable groups are preferred for preparing rigid foams. Rigid foams for most purposes require a high proportion of closed cells, which is often up to 95% of the total number of cells, whereas this is less de sired for flexible foams.

Small molecule polyol mixtures imply mostly a higher hydroxyl number. Here the reactive parts can be mixed through a static or a dynamic mechanical mix ing unit that is commonly used involving 2 reactive components or in a bucket using for example a simple paint stirrer for a limited time. For both methods, the foaming process is intended to start after the mixing and after or during having it poured (also known as PIP “Pour-in-Place”) or sprayed.

Slabstock flexible foams are commonly produced in a continuous manner. The mixtures are poured in the liquid state or as a liquid dispersion directly onto a conveyor belt or similar surfaces, where the foam can expand freely during travel. Later along the conveyor, the obtained foam can be cut into smaller sections and allowed to complete the curing process, and then cooled down e.g. for 24 hours before being further segmented into almost any desired shapes. Further rigid or flexible foams production such as imprinting of un cured conveyed foam or open or sealed mold casting methods are industrially established as well. Post-processing of foams other than cutting the foams does exist such as flame lamination.

The fundamentals to those technologies are explained e.g. in “A Handbook of Polymer Foams” (David Eaves, 2004, Smithers Rapra publishing) and in “Szycher,s Handbook of Polyurethanes” (Michael Szycher, 2012, 2. Edition, CRC Press). A broad number of additives is described in both manuscripts that find an im plementation in actual industrial polyurethane formulations, such as e.g. flame retardants, light stabilizers, antioxidants, pigments, dyes, catalysts, blowing agents, and surfactants.

Microorganisms - bacteria, fungi, viruses and others - can lead to problems of health, odor formation, and often to the deterioration and destruction of poly mer materials. For these reasons, antimicrobial substances such as e.g. fungi cides, levuricides, bacteriocides and/or viricides are used. Polyurethane foam is especially susceptible to degradation by fungi, which results in changes in material specifications, staining as well as in the formation of unpleasant odors.

Therefore, there is a need for improved polyurethane foams which are re sistant against microorganisms.

On the one hand, fungal and bacterial resistance is an essential aspect of life time of a commercial good. On the other hand, having a material which is lo cally showing antimicrobial activity is highly desirable for some specific appli cations, such as wound healing pads/dressing.

Antimicrobial properties of polyurethane foam are generally obtained by admix ture or subsequent addition of antimicrobial substances, such as silver-based components, as for instance described in EP-A 2720538A or anti-microbial powders, such as sodium pyrithione dispersed in plasticizers as described in US 6294589.

Wound dressing brand products like PolyMem® or Mepilex® Ag incorporate silver as the active ingredient. Other brand products like Kendall® AMD wound dressings are impregnated with PHMB (polyhexamethylene biguanide). Industrial foamed products containing antimicrobial agents can be purchased e.g. from many furniture resellers. Even 10,10,-oxybisphenoxyarsine (OBPA) is still found in some polyurethane foam applications, e.g. for household furniture.

Moreover, in industry, the usage of isothiazolinone components such as octyl- isothiazolinone (OIT) or benzisothiazolinone (BIT) or of zinc pyrithione are common for the preparation of antimicrobial polyurethane systems. Antimicrobial properties can also be imparted to other polyurethane systems, like non-foamed polyurethane films, with the aid of silver-based components as described in EP-A 1385477.

JP-A 2009-533141 describes a wound dressing made of multiple layers con taining at least one layer loaded with a biguanide disinfectant compound or silver or copper-based antimicrobials and a layer loaded with at least one che lating agent. Wound dressings of many types including polyester as fibers or films and polyurethanes as films or foams are being depicted. Silver and copper ions are often subjected to oxidation or photooxidation when in the wet phase or in contact to air, leading to the discoloration of the article. This oxida tion also causes a drop of antimicrobial performance. The chelating agent sta bilizes metal ions such as copper and silver by forming the corresponding complexes in solution. This stabilization enables a better availability of the ions in the wet phase and reduces the probability of discoloration caused by air- or photooxidation.

Combinations of metal ions and complexing agents used for antimicrobial pur poses are disclosed e.g. in US 5688516, EP-A 2720538, WO 2004/007595, and US 2012/0322903. However, the use of complexing agents during the preparation of polyurethane may lead to inactivation of the catalysts in the polyurethane polymerization reaction, which in turn may lead to reduced quality of the final products. Therefore, there is a need for further approaches for imparting anti microbial properties to polyurethanes.

The incorporation of quaternary ammonium moieties into polyurethane polymer backbone or as end groups has been shown to lead to antimicrobial properties of polyurethanes in WO 2007/068890 and US 7459167. The advantage of such antimicrobial treatment consists in the reduced leaching tendency of the anti microbial agents, as they are covalently bound to the polymer. WO 2015/002786 describes polymeric foams that are impregnated with an aqueous solution of quaternary ammonium salts after the preparation of the foam, and then dried.

WO 2009/089346 discloses disinfectant compositions comprising water- insoluble quaternary ammonium polymers, which can be e.g. impregnated into hydrophilic polyurethane foams or wound dressings. These approaches involve specific reactive compounds that enable the covalent attachment of the ammonium moieties to the polyurethane and include additional reaction steps during the preparation of the foam or additional processing steps after the preparation of the foam, which both leads to higher procedural complexity and costs, and potentially to reduced process efficiency. There is therefore a need for a more efficient way of imparting antimicrobial properties to polyurethane arti cles, especially wherein the antimicrobial agents do not leach from the articles.

It has surprisingly been found that combinations of certain complexing agents and organic antimicrobially active compounds are capable of effectively imparting antimicrobial, especially anti-fungal properties on polyurethane articles without significant influence on the quality of the articles. In particular, it has been found that these complexing agents and organic antimicrobially active compounds show a cooperative effect with regard to antimicrobial efficacy. These compounds can be added to the polyurethane during its preparation process without the need for additional reaction steps or processing steps.

In the context of this invention, the term “cooperative effect” is to be understood analogously to the term “synergistic effect”, which is typically used if two or more active ingredients show improved activity in comparison to the activity of the indi vidual components or the mere addition of their individual activities. Thus, if a complexing agent and an organic antimicrobially active compound show a cooper ative effect, this means that the complexing agent enhances the efficacy of the organic antimicrobially active compound.

One aspect of the present invention is a polyurethane composition (P) comprising: a) from 80 to 99.9% by weight, based on the total weight of the polyurethane composition (P), of at least one polyurethane component (A); b) from 0.05 to 1.5% by weight (500 to 15,000 ppm), based on the total weight of the polyurethane composition (P), of at least one complexing agent (B); c) from 0.005 to 5% by weight (50 to 50,000 ppm), based on the total weight of the polyurethane composition (P), of at least one organic antimicrobially active component (C) comprising at least one nitrogen atom; d) optionally up to 15% by weight, based on the total weight of the poly urethane composition (P), of one or more polymers (D) different from the at least one polyurethane component (A); and e) optionally up to 5% by weight, based on the total weight of the polyurethane composition (P), of one or more additives (E); wherein the at least one complexing agent (B) is selected from the group consist ing of organic compounds having at least two functional moieties, of which at least one functional moiety is a carboxylic acid moiety or a salt thereof.

These polyurethane compositions (P) preferably lead to a cooperative effect of the components (B) and (C). The individual components are described below in detail.

Preferably, the polyurethane composition (P) consists of the at least one poly urethane component (A), the at least one complexing agent (B), the at least one organic antimicrobially active component (C) comprising at least one nitrogen atom, optionally the one or more polymers (D) and optionally the one or more ad ditives (E).

In one embodiment, the polyurethane composition (P) comprises at least one complexing agent (B) selected from the group consisting of ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) or salts thereof, glycolic acid or salts thereof, malic acid or salts thereof, tartaric acid or salts thereof, lactic acid or salts thereof, citric acid or salts thereof, N-(1-carboxylato-ethyl)-iminodiacetic acid or salts thereof, nitrilo- triacetic acid or salts thereof.

In one embodiment, the polyurethane composition (P) comprises at least one complexing agent (B) selected from ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) or salts thereof, preferably the disodium salt thereof or the tetrasodium salt thereof.

In one embodiment, the polyurethane composition (P) comprises at least one organic antimicrobially active component (C) comprising at least one nitrogen atom is selected from the group consisting of quaternary ammonium salts or primary, secondary, tertiary amines having at least one C8-C30 hydrocarbon moiety attached to the nitrogen atom, N-oxides of tertiary amines having at least one Cs- C30 hydrocarbon moiety attached to the nitrogen atom, tertiary amines having a C8-C30 hydrocarbon moiety and two aminoalkyl moieties attached to the tertiary nitrogen atom, and polymers having repeating units comprising quaternary ammonium moieties or amine moieties. ln one embodiment, the polyurethane composition (P) comprises at least one antimicrobially active component (C) selected from the group consisting of quaternary ammonium salts having at least one aliphatic C ₈ -C ₃₀ hydrocarbon moiety and at least one alkoxylated silylalkyl moiety attached to the nitrogen atom, N-oxides of tertiary amines having at least one C8-C30 hydrocarbon moiety attached to the nitrogen atom, quaternary ammonium salts having at least two aliphatic C8-C30 hydrocarbon moieties attached to the nitrogen atom, quaternary ammonium salts having at least one aliphatic C8-C30 hydrocarbon moiety and at least one aromatic C6-C14 hydrocarbon moiety attached to the nitrogen atom, poly(diallyldimethyl-ammonium chloride), poly(dialkylamine-co-epichlorohydrine), C8-C30 alkylamine dipropylenediamine and poly(ethylene imine).

In one embodiment, the polyurethane composition (P) comprises at least one antimicrobially active component (C) selected from quaternary ammonium salts having at least one aliphatic C8-C30 hydrocarbon moiety and at least one alkoxylated silylalkyl moiety attached to the nitrogen atom, preferably C8-C30- alkyldimethyl(3-trialkoxysilyl)propyl ammonium salts, more preferably dimethyltetradecyl(3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl)ammonium chloride or dimethylocta- decyl(3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl)ammonium chloride.

In one embodiment, the polyurethane composition (P) comprises at least one complexing agent (B) which is present in an amount of from 1 ,000 to 12,000 ppm, preferably in an amount of from 1,500 to 10,000 ppm, more preferably in an amount of from 2,000 to 8,000 ppm, based on the total weight of the polyurethane composition (P).

In one embodiment, the polyurethane composition (P) comprises at least one organic antimicrobially active component (C), comprising at least one nitrogen atom, which is present in amounts of: i) 250 to 8,000 ppm, preferably 500 to 6,000 ppm, more preferably 625 to 5,000 ppm, based on the total weight of the polyurethane composition (P), and is dimethyltetradecyl(3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl)ammonium chloride; ii) 250 to 4,000 ppm, preferably 500 to 3,000 ppm, more preferably 625 to 2,500 ppm, based on the total weight of the polyurethane composition (P), and is dimethyloctadecyl(3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl)ammonium chloride; iii) 400 to 40,000 ppm, preferably 600 to 32,000 ppm, more preferably 800 to 12,000 ppm, even more preferably 1000 to 8,000 ppm, based on the total weight of the polyurethane composition (P), and is selected from quaternary ammonium salts having at least two aliphatic C8-C30 hydrocarbon moieties attached to the nitrogen atom, preferably didecyldimethyl ammonium chloride; iv) 1,500 to 10,000 ppm, preferably 2,000 to 8,000 ppm, more preferably 2,500 to 5,000 ppm, based on the total weight of the polyurethane composition (P), and is selected from quaternary ammonium salts having at least one aliphatic C8-C30 hydrocarbon moiety and at least one aromatic C6-C14 hy drocarbon moiety attached to the nitrogen atom, preferably Cs-Cis- alkyldimethylbenzyl ammonium chloride; v) 2,500 to 25,000 ppm, preferably 4,000 to 12,000 ppm, more preferably 5,000 to 10,000 ppm, based on the total weight of the polyurethane compo sition (P), and is selected from quaternary ammonium salts having one Cs- C30 hydrocarbon moiety attached to the nitrogen atom, preferably myristyltrimethylammonium chloride; or vi) 1,500 to 15,000 ppm, preferably 2,000 to 10,000 ppm, more preferably 2,500 to 8,000 ppm, based on the total weight of the polyurethane composi tion (P), and is selected from C8-C30 alkylamine dipropylenediamines, pref erably laurylamine dipropylenediamine.

In one embodiment, the polyurethane composition (P) comprises: i) 1,000 to 12,000 ppm, preferably 2,000 to 10,000 ppm, based on the total weight of the polyurethane composition (P), of EDTA or a salt thereof as complexing agent (B) and 1 ,000 to 1 ,500 ppm, based on the total weight of the polyurethane composition (P), of dimethyloctadecyl(3-(trimethoxysilyl)- propyl)ammonium chloride as organic antimicrobially active component (C); ii) 3,000 to 12,000 ppm, preferably 5,000 to 10,000 ppm, based on the total weight of the polyurethane composition (P), of EDTA or a salt thereof as complexing agent (B) and 1,000 to 6,000 ppm, preferably 2,000 to 5000 ppm, based on the total weight of the polyurethane composition (P), of quaternary ammonium salts having at least one aliphatic C8-C30 hydrocar bon moiety and at least one aromatic C6-C14 hydrocarbon moiety attached to the nitrogen atom, preferably Cs-Cis-alkyldimethylbenzyl ammonium chloride as organic antimicrobially active component (C); iii) 1,000 to 12,000 ppm, preferably 2,000 to 10,000 ppm, based on the total weight of the polyurethane composition (P), of EDTA or a salt thereof as complexing agent (B) and 8,000 to 25,000 ppm, preferably 10,000 to 20,000 ppm, based on the total weight of the polyurethane composition (P), of quaternary ammonium salts having one C8-C30 hydrocarbon moiety at tached to the nitrogen atom, preferably myristyltrimethylammonium chloride as organic antimicrobially active component (C); or iv) 3,000 to 12,000 ppm, preferably 5,000 to 10,000 ppm, based on the total weight of the polyurethane composition (P), of EDTA or salts thereof as complexing agent (B) and 1,500 to 15,000 ppm, preferably 2,500 to 10,000 ppm, based on the total weight of the polyurethane composition (P), of Cs- C30 alkylamine dipropylenediamine, preferably laurylamine dipropylenedi- amine as organic antimicrobially active component (C).

The invention also relates to a polyurethane foam or a coating comprising the polyurethane composition (P) as described above.

A further aspect of the invention relates to an article, preferably a mattress, pillow, cushion or wound dressing, prepared from the polyurethane composition (P) as described above.

The invention also relates to a process for preparing the polyurethane composition (P) as described above, comprising the steps:

I) providing at least one polyol having at least two, preferably two or three hydroxyl moieties and at least one polyisocyanate having at least two, pref erably two isocyanate moieties;

II) providing at least one complexing agent (B) and at least one organic anti microbially active component (C) as described in any one of claims 1 to 9;

III) optionally providing at least one catalyst for promoting the formation of urethane moieties from the hydroxyl groups of the polyol and the isocyanate groups of the polyisocyanate;

IV) optionally providing one or more additives (E);

V) mixing the at least one polyol, the at least one complexing agent (B) and the at least one organic antimicrobially active component (C) to obtain a mixture (M);

VI) admixing the at least one polyisocyanate to the mixture (M);

VII) allowing the at least one polyol to react with the at least one polyisocyanate in order to obtain the polyurethane composition (P) according to any of claims 1 to 9; wherein the optional catalyst and/or the optional one or more additives (E), if pre sent, may be added to the mixture (M) before, after or together with the at least one polyisocyanate.

One further aspect is the use of a combination of at least one complexing agent (B) and at least one organic antimicrobially active component (C) and optionally one or more additives (E) as described above for preparing an antimicrobial polyurethane composition.

The invention also covers the use of a combination of at least one complexing agent (B) and at least one organic antimicrobially active component (C) and optionally one or more additives (E) as described above for providing antimicrobial properties on a polyurethane composition.

One further aspect is a kit of components for preparing a polyurethane composition or a polyurethane article, comprising at least one polyol having at least two, preferably two or three hydroxyl moieties; at least one polyisocyanate having at least two, preferably two isocyanate moieties; at least one complexing agent (B) as described above; at least one antimicrobially active component (C) as described above; and optionally one or more additives (E) as described above.

The components are described in more detail in the following:

Polyurethane component (A):

In general, the polyurethane component (A) can be any type of polyurethane com ponent, such as those known in the literature. For example, the polyurethane component (A) may be a linear or branched polyurethane useful for preparing polyurethane films such as polyurethane dispersion films, viscoelastic poly urethane foams, flexible polyurethane foams, rigid or hard polyurethane foams or thermoplastic polyurethane moldings.

Preferably, the polyurethane component (A) is obtainable from at least one polyol having at least two, preferably two or three hydroxyl moieties and at least one polyisocyanate having at least two, preferably two isocyanate moieties.

The at least one polyol may be any type of polyol, e.g. a polyhydroxyalkane, such as ethylene glycol, propylene glycol or glycerol, a polyester polyol, such as a polyester diol or a polyester triol, a polyether polyol, such as a polyether diol or a polyether triol, a polyether-ester polyol, such as a polyether-ester diol or a polyether-ester triol, or a mixture of any of the above.

Also, the polyisocyanate may be any type of polyisocyanate, e.g. an aryl diiso cyanate such as toluene diisocyanate (TDI), an alkylenediaryl diisocyanate such as methylenediphenyl diisocyanate (MDI), an alkylene diisocyanate, such as hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI), or a mixture of any of the above.

Preferably, the polyurethane component (A) is obtainable from a polyester diol, a polyester triol, a polyether diol, a polyether triol, a polyether-ester diol, a polyether-ester triol, or a mixture of any of the above as the at least one polyol, and toluene diisocyanate (TDI), methylenediphenyl diisocyanate (MDI), hexa methylene diisocyanate (HDI) or a mixture of any of the above as the at least one polyisocyanate.

The polyurethane component (A) is generally present in the polyurethane composition (P) in an amount of from 80 to 99.9% by weight, preferably from 83 to 99.85% by weight, more preferably from 95 to 97.5% by weight, based on the total weight of the polyurethane composition (P).

Complexing agent (B):

In general, the complexing agent (B) is selected from the group consisting of organic compounds having at least two functional moieties, of which at least one functional moiety is a carboxylic acid moiety or a salt thereof. The term “functional moiety” in this context means that the moiety is functional in terms of forming complexes. Specifically, it means that the moiety contains at least one electron lone pair that can be active as a Lewis base.

For example, the functional moieties can be derived from amine-moieties, hydroxyl-moieties, carbonyl-moieties, carboxylic acid moieties or salts thereof.

For example, the at least one complexing agent (B) can be selected from the group consisting of ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) or salts thereof, glycolic acid or salts thereof, malic acid or salts thereof, tartaric acid or salts there of, lactic acid or salts thereof, citric acid or salts thereof, N-(l-carboxylato-ethyl)- iminodiacetic acid or salts thereof, nitrilotriacetic acid or salts thereof. Preferably, the at least one complexing agent (B) is selected from ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) or salts thereof.

More preferably, the at least one complexing agent (B) is the disodium salt of EDTA, the tetrasodium salt of EDTA or a mixture thereof. The salts can be used as anhydrous compounds or as their hydrates.

The at least one complexing agent (B) is generally present in the polyurethane composition (P) in an amount of from 500 to 15,000 ppm, preferably of from 1,000 to 12,000 ppm, more preferably from 1,500 to 10,000 ppm, even more preferably from 2,000 to 8,000 ppm, based on the total weight of the polyurethane composi tion (P).

Organic antimicrobial active component (C):

In general, the at least one organic antimicrobially active component (C) may be any organic antimicrobially active component comprising at least one nitro gen atom, such as organic amines having at least one C8-C30 hydrocarbon moiety attached to the nitrogen atom and their derivatives, or polymers having repeating units comprising amine moieties or their derivatives.

For example, the at least one organic antimicrobially active component (C) may be selected from the group consisting of quaternary ammonium salts hav ing at least one C8-C30 hydrocarbon moiety attached to the nitrogen atom, primary, secondary or tertiary amines having at least one C8-C30 hydrocarbon moiety at tached to the nitrogen atom, N-oxides of tertiary amines having at least one C8-C30 hydrocarbon moiety attached to the nitrogen atom, tertiary amines having a C8-C30 hydrocarbon moiety and two amino-alkyl moieties attached to the tertiary nitrogen atom, and polymers having repeating units comprising quaternary ammonium moieties or amine moieties.

Preferably, the at least one antimicrobially active component (C) is selected from the group consisting of quaternary ammonium salts having at least one aliphatic C8-C30 hydrocarbon moiety and at least one alkoxylated silylalkyl moiety attached to the nitrogen atom, N-oxides of tertiary amines having at least one C8-C30 hydro carbon moiety attached to the nitrogen atom, quaternary ammonium salts having at least two aliphatic C8-C30 hydrocarbon moieties attached to the nitrogen atom, quaternary ammonium salts having at least one aliphatic C8-C30 hydrocarbon moi- ety and at least one aromatic C6-Cu hydrocarbon moiety attached to the nitrogen atom, poly(diallyldimethyl-ammonium chloride), poly(dialkylamine-co- epichlorohydrine), C8-C30 alkylamine dipropylenediamine and poly(ethylene imine).

More preferably, the at least one antimicrobially active component (C) is selected from the group consisting of quaternary ammonium salts having at least one aliphatic C8-C30 hydrocarbon moiety and at least one alkoxylated silylalkyl moiety attached to the nitrogen atom, in particular C ₈ -C ₃ o-alkyldimethyl(3- trialkoxysilyl)propyl ammonium salts, especially dimethyltetradecyl(3-(trimethoxy- silyl)propyl)ammonium chloride or dimethyloctadecyl(3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl)- ammonium chloride.

A non-exclusive list of exemplary components (C), suitable for the composi tions of the invention is given hereafter as examples: dimethyloctadecyl[3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl]ammonium chloride [CAS Nr. 27668-52-6], heptadecyl-dimethyl-(3-trimethoxysilylpropyl)azanium chloride, hexadecyl-dimethyl-(3-trimethoxysilylpropyl)azanium chloride, pentadecyl-di- methyl-(3-trimethoxysilylpropyl)azanium chloride, tetradecyldimethyl(3- trimethoxysilylpropyl)ammonium chloride [CAS Nr. 41591-87-1], tridecyl- dimethyl-(3-trimethoxysilylpropyl)azanium chloride, dodecyldimethyl(3- (triethoxysilyl) propyl)ammonium chloride [CAS Nr. 62077-89-8], trimethoxy- silylpropyldidecylmethylammonium chloride [CAS Nr. 68959-20-6], N , N-dibutyl- N-(3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl)butan-1-aminium chloride [CAS Nr. 143203-33-2], dimethyloctadecyl(3-(triethoxysilyl)propyl)ammonium chloride [CAS Nr. 62117- 57-1], hexadecyldimethyl(3-(triethoxysilyl)propyl)ammonium chloride[CAS Nr. 94134-21-1], dimethyl-pentadecyl-(3-triethoxysilylpropyl) azanium chloride, dimethyl-tetradecyl-(3-triethoxysilylpropyl)azanium chloride, dodecyldi- methyl(3-(triethoxysilyl)propyl)ammonium chloride [CAS Nr. 62077-89-8], di- methyl-(3-trimethoxysilylpropyl)-undecylazanium chloride , decyl-dimethyl-(3- triethoxysilylpropyl)azanium chloride, N,N-dimethyl-N-[3-

(trimethoxysilyl)propyl]octan-1-aminium chloride [CAS Nr. 83354-12-5], benzyldimethyl(3-(triethoxysilyl)propyl)ammonium chloride [CAS Nr. 85391-03- 3], benzyl-dimethyl-(3-trimethoxysilylpropyl)azanium chloride, trimethyl (octa- decyl)azanium chloride [CAS Nr. 112-03-8], heptadecyl(trimethyl)azanium chloride, hexadecyltrimethylammonium chloride [CAS Nr. 112-02-7], 1- pentadecanaminium,n,n-trimethyl-, chloride [CAS Nr. 73163-54-9], tetradecyltrimethylammonium chloride [CAS Nr. 4574-04-3], N,N,N- trimethyltridecan-1-aminium chloride [CAS Nr. 19727-46-9], dodecyl- trimethylammonium chloride [CAS Nr. 112-00-5], trimethyl(undecyl)azanium chloride [CAS Nr: n.a.], decyltrimethylammonium chloride [CAS Nr. 10108-87- 9], didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride [CAS Nr. 7173-51-5], trimethyl-[10- (trimethylazaniumyl)decyl]azanium [CAS Nr. 156-74-1], di- methyl(dioctadecyl)azanium chloride [CAS Nr. 107-64-2], octyltrimethyl- ammonium chloride [CAS Nr. 10108-86-8], bis(3- aminopropyl)dimethylammonium chloride [CAS Nr. n.a.], C8-18- alkydimethylbenzyl ammonium chlorides [CAS Nr. 63449-41-2], myristyltri- methylammonium chloride [CAS Nr. 4574-04-3],

(Diisobutylphenoxyethoxyethyl)dimethylbenzylammonium chloride [CAS Nr. 121-54-0], stearyltrimethylammonium chloride [CAS Nr. 112-03-08], cetrimoni- um bromide [CAS Nr. 57-09-0], polyquaternium 6 Oder polydadmac [CAS Nr. 26062-79-3 ], 1 -decanaminium, N-decyl-N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-N-methyl-, pro- panoate [CAS Nr. 107879-22-1], and N-alkyl-N-benzyl-N,N-dimethylammonium chloride [CAS Nr. 8001-54-5], benzethonium chloride [CAS Nr. 121-54-0], N- butyl-N-[3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl]butan-1 -amine [CAS Nr. 40835-31-2], N,N- didodecyldodecan-1 -amine [CAS Nr. 102-87-4], tri-N-decylamine [CAS Nr. 1070-01-5], trihexylamine [CAS Nr. 102-86-3], diethyldodecylamine [CAS Nr. 4271-27-6], n,n-diethylhexadecylamine [CAS Nr. 250-403-2], N,N-dipropyl- dodecyl amine [CAS Nr. n.a.], bis(3-aminopropyl)amine [CAS Nr. 56-18-8], bis (3-aminopropyl) dodecylamine [CAS Nr. 2372-82-9], N-benzyl-N- ethylethanamine [CAS Nr. 772-54-3], N-benzyl-N-methylethanamine [CAS Nr. 4788-37-8], n,n-dimethyl-1 -phenylmethanamine [CAS Nr. 103-83-3], N-benzyl- N-methyl-1-phenylmethanamine [CAS Nr. 102-05-6], 1 ,6-Bis(N5-[p- chlorophenyl]-N1-biguanido)hexane [CAS Nr. 55-56-1] N,N-dibenzyl-1- phenylmethanamine [CAS Nr. 620-40-6], 2-(2-phenylethylamino)ethanol [CAS Nr. 2842-37-7], 2-[dodecyl(2-hydroxyethyl)amino]ethanol [CAS Nr. 1541-67-9], poly(dimethylamine-co-epichlorohydrin) [CAS Nr. 25988-97-0], N,N- dimethyldodecylamine N-oxide [CAS Nr. 61788-90-7], n,n- dimethyltetradecylamine N-oxide [CAS Nr. 3332-27-2 ], dimethyl myristamine [CAS Nr. 112-75-4], 1 -propanamine, n,n-dimethyl-3-(trimethoxysilyl)- [CAS Nr. 2530-86-1]

The examples given (can) contain chloride counter ions, but it applies for all corresponding anions such as, and not limited to, bromide, fluoride, iodide, hydroxide, alkyl sulfate, gluconate, carbonate or bicarbonate, or mixtures thereof.

From the above list of examples, preferred compounds are: tetradecyldimethyl(3-trimethoxysilylpropyl)ammonium chloride [CAS Nr. 41591- 87-1], dimethyloctadecyl[3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl]ammonium chloride [CAS Nr. 27668-52-6], and dimethyloctadecyl(3-(triethoxysilyl)propyl)ammonium chloride [CAS Nr. 62117-57-1], tetradecyltrimethylammonium chloride [CAS Nr. 4574- 04-3], didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride [CAS Nr. 7173-51-5] and N-alkyl-N- benzyl-N,N-dimethylammonium chloride [CAS Nr. 8001-54-1], C8-18- alkydimethylbenzyl ammonium chlorides [CAS Nr. 63449-41-2], myristyltri- methylammonium chloride [CAS Nr. 4574-04-3], stearyltrimethylammonium chloride [CAS Nr. 112-03-08 ], cetrimonium bromide [CAS Nr. 57-09-0 ], Polyquaternium 6 [CAS Nr. 26062-79-3], 1-decanaminium, N-decyl-N-(2- hydroxyethyl)-N-methyl-, propanoate [CAS Nr. 107879-22-1], and N-Alkyl-N- benzyl-N,N-dimethylammonium chloride [CAS Nr. 8001 -54-], bis (3- aminopropyl) dodecylamine [CAS Nr. 2372-82-9], bis(3-Aminopropyl)Amine [CAS Nr: 56-18-8], dimethyldodecylamine N-oxide [CAS Nr. 61788-90-7], N,N- dimethyltetradecylamine N-oxide [CAS Nr. 3332-27-2], dimethyl myristamine [CAS Nr. 112-75-4], and diethyldodecylamine [CAS Nr.4271-27-6]

The at least one organic antimicrobially active component (C) is generally pre sent in the polyurethane composition (P) in an amount of from 50 to 50,000 ppm, preferably from 500 to 40,000 ppm, more preferably from 1 ,000 to 35,000 ppm.

In one embodiment, component (C) is present in an amount of from 250 to 8,000 ppm, preferably 500 to 6,000 ppm, more preferably 625 to 5,000 ppm, based on the total weight of the polyurethane composition (P), and is dimethyl- tetradecyl(3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl)ammonium chloride. In another embodiment, component (C) is present in an amount of from 250 to 4,000 ppm, preferably 500 to 3,000 ppm, more preferably 625 to 2,500 ppm, based on the total weight of the polyurethane composition (P), and is dimethyloctadecyl(3- (trimethoxysilyl)propyl)ammonium chloride.

In yet another embodiment, component (C) is present in an amount of from 400 to 40,000 ppm, preferably 800 to 32,000 ppm, more preferably 1,200 to 20,000 ppm, based on the total weight of the polyurethane composition (P), and is selected from quaternary ammonium salts having at least two aliphatic C ₈ -C ₃₀ hydrocarbon moieties attached to the nitrogen atom, preferably didecyldimethyl ammonium chloride. In yet another embodiment, component (C) is present in an amount of from 1,500 to 40,000 ppm, preferably 2,000 to 20,000 ppm, more preferably 2,500 to 10,000 ppm, based on the total weight of the polyurethane composition (P), and is selected from quaternary ammonium salts having at least one aliphatic C8-C30 hydrocarbon moiety and at least one aromatic C6-C14 hydro carbon moiety attached to the nitrogen atom, preferably Cs-Cis- alkyldimethylbenzyl ammonium chloride.

In yet another embodiment, component (C) is present in an amount of from 2,500 to 25,000 ppm, preferably 4,000 to 12,000 ppm, more preferably 5,000 to 10,000 ppm, based on the total weight of the polyurethane composition (P), and is selected from quaternary ammonium salts having one C8-C30 hydrocarbon moiety attached to the nitrogen atom, preferably myristyltrimethylammonium chloride. In yet another embodiment, component (C) is present in an amount of from 1,500 to 15,000 ppm, preferably 2,000 to 10,000 ppm, more preferably 2,500 to 8,000 ppm, based on the total weight of the polyurethane composition (P), and is select ed from C8-C30 alkylamine dipropylenediamines, preferably laurylamine dipropyl- enediamine. In a further embodiment, component (C) is a mixture of any of the above components, wherein the total amount of antimicrobially active component (C) is in a range of from 500 to 8000 ppm, preferably from 1000 to 4000 ppm, based on the total weight of the polyurethane composition (P).

In a preferred embodiment, the polyurethane composition (P) comprises from 1,000 to 12,000 ppm, preferably 2,000 to 10,000 ppm, based on the total weight of the polyurethane composition (P), of EDTA or a salt thereof as complexing agent (B) and from 1,000 to 1,500 ppm, based on the total weight of the polyurethane composition (P), of dimethyloctadecyl(3-(trimethoxysilyl)-propyl)ammonium chlo ride as organic antimicrobially active component (C).

In another preferred embodiment, the polyurethane composition (P) comprises from 3,000 to 12,000 ppm, preferably from 5,000 to 10,000 ppm, based on the total weight of the polyurethane composition (P), of EDTA or a salt thereof as complexing agent (B) and from 1,000 to 5,000 ppm, preferably from 2,000 to 3,000 ppm, based on the total weight of the polyurethane composition (P), of quaternary ammonium salts having at least one aliphatic C ₈ -C ₃₀ hydrocarbon moiety and at least one aromatic C6-C14 hydrocarbon moiety attached to the nitrogen atom, pref erably C ₈ -Ci ₈ -alkyldimethylbenzyl ammonium chloride as organic antimicrobially active component (C).

In yet another preferred embodiment, the polyurethane composition (P) comprises from 1,000 to 12,000 ppm, preferably from 2,000 to 10,000 ppm, based on the total weight of the polyurethane composition (P), of EDTA or a salt thereof as complexing agent (B) and from 8,000 to 25,000 ppm, preferably from 10,000 to 20,000 ppm, based on the total weight of the polyurethane composition (P), of quaternary ammonium salts having one C8-C30 hydrocarbon moiety attached to the nitrogen atom, preferably myristyltrimethylammonium chloride as organic anti microbially active component (C).

In another preferred embodiment, the polyurethane composition (P) comprises from 3,000 to 12,000 ppm, preferably from 5,000 to 10,000 ppm, based on the total weight of the polyurethane composition (P), of EDTA or salts thereof as com plexing agent (B) and from 1,500 to 15,000 ppm, preferably from 2,500 to 10,000 ppm, based on the total weight of the polyurethane composition (P), of C8-C30 alkylamine dipropylenediamine, preferably laurylamine dipropylenediamine as organic antimicrobially active component (C).

Optional polymer (D):

The polyurethane composition (P) may optionally comprise up to 15% by weight, often 1 to 15% by weight, based on the total weight of the polyurethane composi tion (P), of one or more polymers (D) different from the polyurethane component

(A) and, if applicable, the polymeric compounds contained as complexing agent

(B) or organic antimicrobial active component (C).

The one or more polymers (D) may comprise any polymer that is compatible with the polyurethane component (A). For example, the one or more polymers (D), if present, may comprise an acrylic polymer, such as poly(acrylic acid) or salts thereof, poly(methacrylic acid) or salts thereof, poly(alkyl acrylate) or poly(alkyl methacrylate). In one embodiment, the polyurethane composition (P) comprises from 5 to 15% by weight, preferably from 8 to 14% by weight, more preferably from 10 to 13% by weight, based on the total weight of the polyurethane composition (P), of an acrylic viscosity modifier. In another embodiment, the polyurethane composition (B) comprises from 1 to 4% by weight, preferably from 1 to 3% by weight, based on the total weight of the polyurethane composition (P), of an acrylic resin. In yet another embodiment, the polyurethane composition (B) does not comprise a polymer (D).

Optional additives (E):

The polyurethane composition (P) may optionally comprise up to 5% by weight, based on the total weight of the polyurethane composition (P), of one or more ad ditives (E). Often, 0.1 to 5% by weight are used.

The one or more additives (E), if present, may comprise any additives that are typ ically used in the production of polyurethane compositions. Additives that may be used according to the present examples are, e.g. described in “A Handbook of Polymer Foams” (David Eaves, 2004, Smithers Rapra publishing) or in “Szycher,s Handbook of Polyurethanes” (Michael Szycher, 2012, 2. Edition, CRC Press). The additives typically find an implementation in actual industrial polyurethane formulations and may be, e.g. flame retardants, light stabilizers, antioxidants, pigments, dyes, catalysts, blowing agents, surfactants, organic solvents, water, foam stabilizing and foam cell opening agents etc.

Preferably, the one or more additives (E), if present, comprise PDMS based surfactants as foam stabilizing and foam cell opening agents and/or amine catalysts and/or metal based catalysts.

Exemplary additives (E) are acetone, carbon dioxide, butane, or any known blowing agents when water is not used for that purpose. Other additives such as flame retardants are generally added to meet customer requirements.

Examples of PDMS based surfactants are polyoxyalkylene siloxanes and silicones [CAS Nr. 87244-72-2] Other examples comprise siloxanes and silicones, di-methyl, 3-hydroxypropyl methyl, ethoxylated propoxylated , [CAS Nr. 68937-55-3], siloxanes and silicones, di-methyl, 3-hydroxypropyl methyl, ethers with polyethylene-polypropylene glycol mono-methyl ether [CAS Nr. 67762-85-0], Polyoxyalkylene siloxanes and silicones [CAS Nr. 87244-72-2]

Further examples of organosiloxane surfactants are [CAS Nr. 27306-78-1 , 125997-17-3, 68937-54-2 67674-67-3, 63148-55-0] Further foam stabilizing agents non PDMS based are butylene oxide propylene oxide block copolymer [CAS Nr. 27637-03-2, 27517-34-6] alcohols C9-11 -branched and linear ethers with ethyloxirane-oxirane polymer mono-methyl ether [CAS Nr. 111163-38-3] 1 ,2-butylene oxide-ethylene oxide copolymer ether with dodecyl alcohol [CAS Nr. 39454-63-2], allyloxypolyethyleneglycol methyl ether [CAS Nr. 27252-80-8] An example of amine catalysts is triethylene diamine [CAS Nr. 280-57-9] Fur ther examples comprise tetramethylethylenediamine [CAS Nr. 110-18-9], 1-[2- (dimethylamino)ethyl]-4-methylpiperazine [CAS Nr. 104-19-8], N,N- dimethylaminocyclohexane [CAS Nr. 98-94-2], or DABCO 1 ,4- diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane [CAS Nr. 280-57-9]

Only ternary amines can serve as catalysts as they are not consumed by the reaction with the isocyanate moiety. Examples of metal complex catalysts are stannous octoate [CAS Nr. 301-10-0], dibutyltin dilaurate (DBTDL) [CAS Nr. 77-58-7], dibutyltin diacetate (DBTDA) [CAS Nr. 1067-33-0], dibutyltin bis(dodecyl mercaptide) [CAS Nr. 1185-81-5], other catalysts are bismuth or zirconium based.

In one embodiment, the polyurethane composition (P) comprises from 0.01 to 5% by weight, preferably from 0.1 to 4% by weight, more preferably from 0.5 to 2% by weight, based on the total weight of the polyurethane composition (P), of one or more additives (E), preferably PDMS based surfactants as foam stabilizing and foam cell opening agents and/or amine catalysts and/or metal based catalyst.

In another embodiment, the polyurethane composition (P) does not contain an additive (E).

A further aspect of the present invention is a polyurethane foam or coating com prising the polyurethane composition (P) as described above. For example, the polyurethane foam or coating of the invention may be a polyurethane foam such as a viscoelastic polyurethane foam, a flexible polyurethane foam, a rigid or hard polyurethane foam, or a polyurethane coating such as a polyurethane film, or a polyurethane dispersion film.

Another aspect of the present invention is an article prepared from the poly urethane composition (P) or the foam or coating as described above. For example, the article may be a mattress, pillow, cushion, wound dressing, shoe inlay, uphol stery foam or construction foam, preferably a mattress, pillow, cushion or wound dressing.

Although a subsequent impregnation of cured polyurethane foam to reach higher loading level has been proposed elsewhere, this solution to avoid disturbance of the foaming process is very limited and not very satisfactory in terms of distribution from one side and in terms of processing on the other side. It requires at least two additional manufacturing steps (impregnation/soaking and drying).

The liquid product used for the impregnation will tend to settle down causing a gradient of concentration where higher loadings will be found at the bottom of the foam. This approach is limited to open celled foam as far as the liquid may be able to reach evenly the foam surface. By this procedure the distribution of the com pounds for a satisfying overall protection is not insured and the compounds are mostly adsorbed and not included in the material.

It has been surprisingly found, that with the combination of the at least one com- plexing agent (B) and the at least one organic antimicrobially active component (C) as described above, these components can be added to the polyurethane during the process for its preparation.

Mixing together at least one polyol, the at least one complexing agent (B) and the at least one organic antimicrobially active component (C) as described above has been found to significantly enhance the antimicrobial efficiency of the final cured foam system without causing the typical disturbance on the foaming process.

This allows by a regular process the production of a uniformly treated antimicrobial polyurethane material without subsequent addition of antimicrobial substances or without deterioration of the foam properties and foaming behaviour.

One aspect of the invention is therefore a process for preparing the polyurethane composition (P) as described above, comprising the steps: I) providing at least one polyol having at least two, preferably two or three hydroxyl moieties and at least one polyisocyanate having at least two, preferably two isocyanate moieties;

II) providing at least one complexing agent (B) and at least one organic anti- microbially active component (C) as described above;

III) optionally providing at least one catalyst for promoting the formation of urethane moieties from the hydroxyl groups of the polyol and the isocyanate groups of the polyisocyanate;

IV) optionally providing one or more further additives (E);

V) mixing the at least one polyol, the at least one complexing agent (B) and the at least one organic antimicrobially active component (C) to obtain a mixture (M);

VI) admixing the at least one polyisocyanate to the mixture (M);

VII) allowing the at least one polyol to react with the at least one polyisocyanate in order to obtain the polyurethane composition (P) as described above; wherein the optional catalyst and/or the optional one or more additives (E), if present, may be added to the mixture (M) before, after or together with the at least one polyisocyanate.

Another aspect of the present invention is the use of a combination of at least one complexing agent (B) and at least one organic antimicrobially active component (C) and optionally one or more additives (E) as described above for preparing an antimicrobial polyurethane composition.

Yet another aspect of the invention is the use of a combination of at least one complexing agent (B) and at least one organic antimicrobially active component (C) and optionally one or more additives (E) as described above for providing antimicrobial properties on a polyurethane composition.

A kit of components for preparing a polyurethane composition or a polyurethane article, comprising at least one polyol having at least two, preferably two or three hydroxyl moieties; at least one polyisocyanate having at least two, preferably two isocyanate moieties; at least one complexing agent (B) as described above; at least one antimicrobially active component (C) as described above; and optionally one or more additives (E) as described above, is also an aspect of the present invention.

The invention is further illustrated by the examples and claims disclosed below. Examples

The preparation of various polyurethane foams and coatings, the evaluation of the foam quality, the tests for antimicrobial efficiency as well as some examples and the results are described and discussed in the following:

Synthesis example 1 : Memory foam A1

100 parts by weight of polyether triol (2.5 pcf Revis polyol Blend, Urethane Sciences, W. Berlin, NJ, USA; CAS Nr. 25791-96-2), 0.12 parts by weight of tin catalyst (KOSMOS 5P, Evonik, Richmond VA, USA; CAS Nr. 301-10-0) and the complexing agent (B) and organic antimicrobially active component (C) specified in individual examples below in the respective amounts, were combined to a total weight of 100 grams.

The formulation with the above-mentioned ingredients was mixed vigorously in a mixing unit (Speed mixer DAC 400. FVZ) for 1 min at 1,500 rpm (rounds per minute) followed by 1 min at 2,000 rpm.

The formulation was further additionally mixed up in a dissolver (Mathis MSM, propeller stirrer) for 10 seconds at 1 ,500 rpm.

Afterwards 45.93 parts by weight of the isocyanate mixture of 4,4,- methylenediphenyl diisocyanate and o-(p-isocyanatobenzyl)phenyl isocyanate (SUPRASEC ^® 2629, Huntsman Holland BV, NL;) was added and the mixture was stirred vigorously for 20 seconds at 1,500 rpm using a dissolver (Mathis MSM, propeller stirrer). The mixture was poured into a rectangular form (18 cm x 13 cm x 6 cm) and allowed to react and expand. After 24 hours, pieces of 10 mm thickness, 120 mm width, 90 mm height - each identically cut from the middle of the polyurethane foam - were tempered at 120 °C for 48 hours in a ventilated oven (Binder 9110-0216).

Synthesis example 2: Memory foam A2

100 parts by weight of polyether triol (2.5 pcf Revis polyol Blend, Urethane Sci ences, W. Berlin, NJ, USA; CAS Nr. 25791-96-2), 0.12 parts by weight of tin catalyst (KOSMOS 5P, Evonik, Richmond VA, USA; CAS Nr. 301-10-0) and the complexing agent (B) and organic antimicrobially active component (C) in individual examples below in the respective amounts were combined to a total weight of 100 grams. The formulation with the above-mentioned ingredients has been mixed vigorously in a mixing unit (Speed mixer DAC 400. FVZ) for 1 min at 1 ,500 rpm followed by 1 min at 2,000 rpm.

The formulation was further additionally mixed up in a dissolver (Mathis MSM, propeller stirrer) for 10 seconds at 1 ,500 rpm. Afterwards 45.93 parts by weight of the isocyanate mixture of 4,4,-methylenediphenyl diisocyanate and o-(p- isocyanatobenzyl)phenyl isocyanate (SUPRASEC ^® 2629, Huntsman Holland BV, NL) was added and the mixture was stirred vigorously for 20 seconds at 1 ,500 rpm using a dissolver (Mathis MSM, propeller stirrer).

The mixture was poured into a rectangular form (18 cm x 13 cm x 6 cm) and al lowed to react and expand.

After 24 hours, pieces of 10 mm thickness, 120 mm width, 90 mm height - each identically cut from the middle of the polyurethane foam - were tempered at 160 °C for 2 hours in a ventilated oven (Binder 9110-0216).

Synthesis example 3: Soft foam A3

100 parts by weight of a polyol blend (Neukadur PU SF 50 Komp. A, Suter Kunststoffe AG, Fraubrunnen, CH) and the complexing agent (B) and organic antimicrobially active component (C) specified in individual examples below in the respective amounts were combined to a total weight of 100 grams.

The formulation with the above-mentioned ingredients has been mixed vigorously in a mixing unit (Speed mixer DAC 400. FVZ) for 1 min at 1 ,500 rpm followed by 1 min at 2,000 rpm. The formulation was further additionally mixed up in a dissolver (Mathis MSM, propeller stirrer) for 10 seconds at 1,500 rpm.

Afterwards 70 parts by weight of the isocyanate (Neukadur PU SF 50 Komp. B, Suter-Kunststoffe AG, Fraubrunnen, CH; mixture of isocyanates) was added and the mixture was stirred vigorously for 20 seconds at 1,500 rpm using a dissolver (Mathis MSM, propeller stirrer). The mixture was poured into a rectangular form (18 cm x 13 cm x 6 cm) and al lowed to react and expand. After 24 hours, pieces of 10 mm thickness, 120 mm width, 90 mm height - each identically cut from the middle of the polyurethane foam - were tempered at 160 °C for 2 hours in a ventilated oven (Binder 91 IQ- 0216).

Synthesis example 4: Rigid foam A4

100 parts by weight of a polyol blend (PUR 701 Suter-Kunststoffe AG, Fraubrun- nen, CH; CAS Nr. not available) and the complexing agent (B) and organic anti- microbially active component (C) specified in individual examples below in the respective amounts were combined to a total weight of 100 grams.

The formulation with the above-mentioned ingredients has been mixed vigorously in a mixing unit (Speed mixer DAC 400. FVZ) for 1 min at 1 ,500 rpm followed by 1 min at 2,000 rpm. The formulation was further additionally mixed up in a dissolver (Mathis MSM, propeller stirrer) for 10 seconds at 1 ,500 rpm.

Afterwards 120 parts by weight of the isocyanate mixture (Puronate 900/1, Suter Kunststoffe AG, Fraubrunnen, CH; mixture of diphenylmethane diisocyanate (CAS 9016-87-9) and isocyanate diphenylmethane-4, 4, -diisocyanate (CAS Nr. 101-68-8) was added and the mixture was stirred vigorously for 20 seconds at 1 ,500 rpm using a dissolver (Mathis MSM, propeller stirrer).

The mixture was poured into a rectangular form (18 cm x 13 cm x 6 cm) and al lowed to react and expand.

After 24h pieces of 10 mm thickness, 120 mm width, 90 mm height - always iden tically cut in the middle of the polyurethane foam - are used for antimicrobial effi cacy testing.

Synthesis example 5: Polyurethane dispersion coating A5

100 parts by weight of an aqueous polyurethane dispersion Lurapret N5122 fl, (40% w/w, Archroma Management GmbFI, Reinach, CH), 12 parts by weight of an acrylic polymer (10% w/w, Borchi ^® Gel A LA, Borchers Americas, Inc., Franklin, PA, USA; CAS not available) and the complexing agent (B) and organic anti- microbially active component (C) specified in individual examples below in the respective amounts were combined to a total weight of 50 grams.

The formulation with the above-mentioned ingredients was stirred vigorously in a mixing unit (Speed mixer DAC 400. FVZ) for 2 min at 2,000 rpm.

The polymer dispersion was coated (Mathis Lab dryer LTE-T) with a coating knife (clearance of 0.5 mm) on a release paper.

Afterwards the coating was dried and cured at 120 °C for 10 min before anti microbial performance testing.

Evaluation of the experiments

The foam quality has been judged by the three following characteristics:

- Behavior during the foam build-up (A1 , A2, A3 and A4)

- Optical evaluation of the foam cell structure (A1 , A2, A3 and A4)

- Rating of the resilience of the foam sample after compression

Following quality marks were given:

0 no foam or coating formed

+ very bad or collapsed foam; very defective coating

++ bad foam quality; defective coating

+++ mediocre foam or coating quality

++++ good foam or coating quality

+++++ comparable quality with reference foam or coating

Testing for antimicrobial efficacy

A) ASTM G21 test method

The test method ASTM G21 presents a well-defined testing procedure for evalua tion of antimicrobial performances of a treated article substrate. In order to investi gate the antimicrobial performance of foam article and to underline the superior performance of the invention, a strengthened version of ASTM G21 was carried out, denoted below after as “ASTM G21 strengthened”. Instead of the standard growth medium as defined in the standard ASTM G21, the same growth medium enriched with glucose at a concentration of 3 g/l in the spore solution was used. This growth medium simulates soiling conditions that can be encountered during use.

Description of the method:

The specimen is placed on the surface of a nutrient salt enriched agar. Then the surface is inoculated including the surface of the test specimens with the compo site spore suspension and incubated at 28 °C for 28 days.

Test organisms: Aspergillus niger - ATCC 9642, Penicillium funiculosum - ATCC 11797, Chaetomium globosum - ATCC 6205, Trichoderma virens - ATCC 9645, Aureobasidium pullulans - ATCC 15233

The detailed composition of the nutrient salt enriched agar and procedure are described in ASTM G21. The obtained agar is sterilized at 120 °C for 20 min and poured into petri dishes for testing ASTM G21 strengthened. A nutrient salt solu tion of the same composition as the nutrient salt agar medium is prepared without the agar added to it. This solution is used as the inoculum medium. This medium is prepared thus that a 10 ⁶ spores/mL concentration level is achieved.

The test results were visually evaluated for microbial development on the surface of the specimens using the rating from 0 to 4 according the official ASTM G21 method and as indicated below:

4 at least 60% of the surface is covered with mold fungi

3 30 to 60% of the surface is covered with mold fungi

2 10 to 30% of the surface is covered with mold fungi

1 less than 10% of the surface is covered with mold fungi 0 no fungal growth detected.

B) AATCC 30 part III test method

AATCC test method 30 part III trials were performed for some examples to under line the antimicrobial efficiency and importance of the invention. For AATCC 30 part III, the detailed composition of the agar and procedure are described in AATCC 30 paragraph 21.1. The agar medium is sterilized at 120 °C for 20 min and poured into petri dishes. A mineral salt solution is used as a growth and transfer medium of the spores of the tested organism: Aspergillus niger - ATCC 6275.

The spore suspension is placed on the surface of a nutrient salt enriched agar. Then the specimen is placed on the surface of a nutrient salt enriched agar and incubated at 28 °C for 14 days.

The test results are evaluated according to the AATCC test method 30 part III and as indicated below:

No growth specimen fully protected against fungal growth

Mic microscopic growth, insufficient protection

Mac macroscopic growth, insufficient protection

C) EN ISO 846 A test method

For polyurethane dispersion (PUD) coatings, a similar testing procedure to EN ISO 846 method A was performed.

For the test, the specimen is placed on the surface of a non-carbonic nutrient salt enriched agar. The agar surface is inoculated, including the surface of the test specimens, with the composite spore suspension and incubated at 28 °C for 28 days. Test specimens with the dimensions 50 mm x 50 mm in a fivefold determina tion are prepared.

Test reference organisms: Aspergillus niger- ATCC 6275, Penicillium funiculosum - ATCC 36839, Chaetomium globosum - ATCC 6205, Trichoderma virens - ATCC 9645, Paecilomyces varioti- ATCC 18502

The detailed composition and procedure are described in EN ISO 846.

The test results are visually evaluated as microbial development on the surface of the specimens in the rating 0 (no growth) to 5 (complete growth) according to the EN ISO 846 method and as indicated below: 0 No fungal growth, excellent resistance 1 fungi visible with the microscope, sufficient resistance 2-5 fungi visible to the naked eye, insufficient resistance

D) Agar diffusion test SAN BIO 12/94

For PUD coatings, in addition to EN ISO 846 method A, SAN BIO 12/94 test with the organism Penicillium funiculosum - ATCC 36839 was performed similar as described in DIN EN ISO 20645.

This method is suitable for treated materials which show diffusion properties. Circular specimens of 25 mm diameter are placed on Potato dextrose enriched agar (39.0 g/l) for Penicillium funiculosum. The test samples were incubated for one day in the refrigerator and after that, 7 days at 28 °C in the incubator.

The evaluation is based on the presence or absence of growth of fungi in the con tact zone of the nutritive medium under the specimens as well as on the formation of a possible inhibition zone around the specimen as indicated below:

No growth (0) complete protection against fungal growth Weak (w) at least 95% of sample is free of fungal growth Medium (m) insufficient protection, less than 95% free of fungi Full (f) insufficient protection, sample is covered with fungi

E) JIS L 1902 test method

For polyurethane memory foam, a similar testing procedure to JIS L 1902 was per formed. This test method is applied for the quantitative determination of the anti bacterial effectiveness of active substances.

Specimens of 0.4 g of polyurethane memory foam were contaminated with a standard number of bacteria of a given specific microorganism (inoculum, see below). After incubation of 18 hours by 37 °C, the microorganisms on the test material were washed off with a defined amount medium. The number of colony- forming-units (cfu) was determined and expressed logarithmically. From this number the antimicrobial effect can be calculated. The detailed composition and procedure are described in JIS L 1902 count test method.

Test reference organism:

Escherichia coli ATCC 11229

Evaluation is based on the difference in bacteria count in terms of cfu (colony forming units) between 0 and 18 hours contact with the test material. Germ reduction “Bacteriostatic Activity S” is given as logarithmic germ reduction (logR activity).

F) JIS Z 2801 test method

For polyurethane dispersion (PUD) coatings, for underlining the antimicrobial effi ciency against bacteria, a similar testing procedure to JIS Z 2801 was performed.

This method is designed for quantitative determining the antibacterial efficacy of materials that have been treated with antibacterial active substances.

The specimens (flat, square with a surface measuring 45 mm x 45 mm) were in oculated with a 120 microliter of a germ-containing suspension (inoculum) and covered with a thin sterile plastic film (35 mm x 35 mm). The inoculated specimens were then incubated in a closed system at 37 °C for 24 hours. After incubation at 37 °C the bacteria were transferred into a specified amount of a diluted solution.

The detailed composition and procedure are described in JIS Z 2801 germ count test method.

Test reference organism:

Escherichia coli ATCC 8739

Base of assessment is the difference between the counted amounts of colony forming units (cfu) of the specimens at 0 hours and 24 hours of contact time. The germ reduction indicated as “Bacterial Activity R” is given as logarithmic reduction (logR activity).

Example 1 The study was initiated to investigate the effects of combinations of dimethyl- tetradecyl(3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl)ammonium chloride and various complexing agent molecules on their polyurethane foam forming behavior as well as their antimicrobial performance according to ASTM G21, strengthened. The poly urethane foam was memory foam A1.

In a first step, the polyurethane foam quality in the presence of the antimicrobial dimethyltetradecyl(3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl)ammonium chloride (CAS Nr. 41591- 87-1), indicated as “(C)” in the tables below, as well as various complexing agents, indicated as “(B)” in the tables below, was tested. Whereas the control poly urethane foams without or with the antimicrobially active agent dimethyl- tetradecyl(3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl)ammonium chloride had good foam quality, certain complexing agents reduced foam quality or inhibited foaming under the conditions tested (quality indicated as “Q” in the tables below). Some complexing agents did not affect foam quality significantly compared to the control samples. The solvents used, indicated as “(E)” in the tables below, had no influence on foam quality except for water, which indicates its limited use as solvent in poly urethane foaming.

In a second step, the produced memory foams were tested according ASTM G21 strengthened, as described above, indicated as “G21” in tables below.

Most of the prepared polyurethane foam specimens showed similarly insufficient antimicrobial protection as the control samples with and without the antimicrobial agent.

Disodium EDTA dihydrate (CAS Nr. 6381-92-6, Trilon-BD) and EDTA, tetrasodium (CAS Nr. 64-02-8), indicated very good antimicrobial efficiency with excellent foam quality.

The results are shown in Table 1.

Table 1 Amounts are given in parts by weight (pbw), as introduced in synthesis examples.

Example 2

Memory foam quality with different quaternary ammonium compounds and alkyl- amines at various application concentrations was evaluated:

The polyurethane foam was memory foam A1 and the quality was estimated as indicated under the description of the evaluation of the foam and coating quality.

Table 2 shows that the concentration of the used quaternary ammonium com- pounds as well as amines has an influence in the memory foam quality depending on the antimicrobial substance used. Concentrations of actives with good foam quality were further investigated in the absence or presence of complexing agents. ln Table 2, the indicated pbw are from commercial products with various active content (30 to 100%).

Table 2 Amounts are given in parts by weight (pbw), as introduced in synthesis examples. Control sample was evaluated with +++++ n.t. = not tested.

Example 3

This example underlines the beneficial effects of the invention using the combina tion of dimethyltetradecyl(3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl)-ammonium chloride (CAS Nr. 41591-87-1);

“(C)” and the complexing agent disodium EDTA dihydrate (CAS Nr. 6381-92-6); “(B)” at various concentrations. The polyurethane foam was memory foam A2. The cooperative effect of components (B) and (C) is shown in Table 3. Table 3 Amounts are given in parts by weight (pbw), as introduced in synthesis examples. Antimicrobial effect measured according to ASTM G21 strengthened, as described above n.d. = not determined.

Example 4

Example 3 was repeated with dimethyloctadecyl(3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl)- ammonium chloride (CAS Nr. 27668-52-6) instead of dimethyltetradecyl(3- (trimethoxysilyl)propyl)-ammonium chloride. The cooperative effect of components (B) and (C) is shown in Table 4.

Table 4 Amounts are given in parts by weight (pbw), as introduced in synthesis examples. Antimicrobial effect measured according to ASTM G21 strengthened, as described above n.d. = not determined. Example 5

Example 3 was repeated with didecyldimethyl ammonium chloride (CAS Nr. 7173- SI -5) instead of dimethyltetradecyl(3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl)-ammonium chloride. The cooperative effect of components (B) and (C) is shown in Table 5.

Table 5. Amounts are given in parts by weight (pbw), as introduced in synthesis examples. Antimicrobial effect measured according to ASTM G21 strengthened, as described above n.d. = not determined. Example 6

Example 3 was repeated with Cs-C-is-alkyldimethylbenzyl ammonium chloride (CAS Nr. 63449-41-2) instead of dimethyltetradecyl(3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl)- ammonium chloride. The cooperative effect of components (B) and (C) is shown in Table 6.

Table 6. Amounts are given in parts by weight (pbw), as introduced in synthesis examples. Antimicrobial effect measured according to ASTM G21 strengthened, as described above n.d. = not determined. Example 7

Example 3 was repeated with myristyltrimethylammonium chloride (CAS Nr. 4574- 04-3) instead of dimethyltetradecyl(3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl)-ammonium chloride. The cooperative effect of components (B) and (C) is shown in Table 7.

Table 7. Amounts are given in parts by weight (pbw), as introduced in synthesis examples. Antimicrobial effect measured according to ASTM G21 strengthened, as described above n.d. = not determined.

Example 8

Example 3 was repeated with laurylamine dipropylenediamine (CAS Nr. 2372-82- 9) instead of dimethyltetradecyl(3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl)-ammonium chloride. The cooperative effect of components (B) and (C) is shown in Table 8.

Table 8. Amounts are given in parts by weight (pbw), as introduced in synthesis examples. Antimicrobial effect measured according to ASTM G21 strengthened, as described above n.d. = not determined.

Example 9

To underline again the importance of the invention for the protection of poly urethane foam against fungal growth, a further antimicrobial test was performed. Fungal growth has been evaluated according to AATCC test method 30 part III with an exemplary and medically important fungus Aspergillus, using the exemplary fungus Aspergillus niger ATCC 6275. The polyurethane foam was memory foam A2, using the combination of di- methyloctadecyl(3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl)-ammonium chloride (CAS Nr. 27668-52- 6); “(C)” and the complexing agent disodium EDTA dihydrate (CAS Nr. 6381-92-6); “(B)” at various concentrations. The cooperative effect of components (B) and (C) is shown in Table 9. Table 9. Amounts are given in parts by weight (pbw), as introduced in synthesis examples. Antimicrobial effect measured according to AATCC test method 30 part III, as described above n.d. = not determined.

Example 10

Example 9 was repeated with didecyldimethyl ammonium chloride (CAS Nr. 7173- SI -5) instead of dimethyloctadecyl(3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl)-ammonium chloride. The cooperative effect of components (B) and (C) is shown in Table 10. Table 10. Amounts are given in parts by weight (pbw), as introduced in synthesis examples. Antimicrobial effect measured according to AATCC test method 30 part III, as described above n.d. = not determined. Example 11

Example 9 was repeated with Cs-C-is-alkyldimethylbenzyl ammonium chloride (CAS Nr. 63449-41-2) instead of dimethyloctadecyl(3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl)- ammonium chloride. The cooperative effect of components (B) and (C)is shown in Table 11.

Table 11. Amounts are given in parts by weight (pbw), as introduced in synthesis examples. Antimicrobial effect measured according to AATCC test method 30 part III, as described above n.d. = not determined.

Example 12

Example 9 was repeated with myristyltrimethylammonium chloride (CAS Nr. 4574- 04-3) instead of dimethyloctadecyl(3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl)-ammonium chloride.

The cooperative effect of components (B) and (C) is shown in Table 12.

Table 12. Amounts are given in parts by weight (pbw), as introduced in synthesis examples. Antimicrobial effect measured according to AATCC test method 30 part III, as described above n.d. = not determined. Example 13

Example 9 was repeated with laurylamine dipropylenediamine (CAS Nr. 2372-82- 9) instead of dimethyloctadecyl(3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl)-ammonium chloride. The cooperative effect of components (B) and (C) is shown in Table 13.

Table 13. Amounts are given in parts by weight (pbw), as introduced in synthesis examples. Antimicrobial effect measured according to AATCC test method 30 part III, as described above n.d. = not determined.

Example 14

The antimicrobial compound Cs-C-is-alkyldimethylbenzyl ammonium chloride (CAS Nr. 63449-41-2), “(C)” and different complexing agents “(B)” were used as additives in memory foam A2 and the anti-microbial effect was estimated according to ASTM G21 strengthened and AATCC test method 30 part III, as described above. In each case with 0.5 pbw of (B) and 0.25 pbw of (C) were used. The quality of the foam was not affected in each case. The results are shown in Table 14.

Table 14

Example 15

Rigid polyurethane foam A4 was prepared with and without Cs-Cis- alkyldimethylbenzyl ammonium chloride as (C) and with and without disodium EDTA dihydrate as (B). The quality of the rigid foam was not affected by the addi tives. The antimicrobial effect was evaluated according to ASTM G21 strength ened as described above. The cooperative effect of components (B) and (C) is shown in Table 15.

Table 15

Example 16 Soft polyurethane foam A3 was prepared with varying amounts of dimethyl- tetradecyl(3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl)ammonium chloride as (C) and with varying amounts of disodium EDTA dihydrate as (B). The quality of the soft foam was not affected by the additives. The antimicrobial effect was evaluated according to AATCC 30, part III as described above. The cooperative effect of components (B) and (C) is shown in Table 16.

Table 16 Example 17

Polyurethane coating A5 was prepared with varying amounts of dimethyl- tetradecyl(3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl)ammonium chloride as (C) and with varying amounts of the complexing agent tetrasodium EDTA salt as (B). The quality of the coating was not affected by the additives. The antimicrobial effect was evaluated according to EN ISO 846 A test method as described above. The cooperative ef fect of components (B) and (C) is shown in Table 17. Table 17

Example 18

Polyurethane coating A5 was prepared with varying amounts of dimethyl- tetradecyl(3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl)ammonium chloride as (C) and with varying amounts of disodium EDTA dihydrate as (B). The quality of the coating was not affected by the additives. The antimicrobial effect was evaluated according to SAN BIO 12-94 as described above with Penicillium funiculosum. The cooperative ef fect of components (B) and (C) is shown in Table 18.

Table 18 Example 19

This example underlines the beneficial effects of the invention using the combina tion of dimethyltetradecyl(3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl)-ammonium chloride (CAS Nr. 41591-87-1); “(C)” and the complexing agent disodium EDTA dihydrate (CAS Nr.

6381-92-6); “(B)” at various concentrations against bacteria. Whereas the untreat ed foam indicates strong bacterial growth, in the combination foam absence of bacterial growth was detected. The polyurethane foam was memory foam A2. The cooperative effect of components (B) and (C) is shown in Table 19.

Table 19 Amounts are given in parts by weight (pbw), as introduced in synthesis examples.

Antimicrobial effect measured according to JIS L 1902 and Escherichia coli, as described above. The results indicate logarithmic reduction of bacterial growth (logR).

Example 20

Polyurethane coating A5 was prepared with varying amounts of dimethyl- tetradecyl(3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl)ammonium chloride as (C) and with varying amounts of the complexing agent tetrasodium EDTA salt as (B). The quality of the coating was not affected by the additives. The antimicrobial effect was evaluated according to JIS Z 2801 as described above with Escherichia coli. The cooperative effect of components (B) and (C) is shown in Table 20.

Table 20