Paper substrates and articles containing antimicrobial components as well as methods of making and using the same

Abstract

The invention relates to the papermaking art and, in particular, to the manufacture of paper substrates, paper-containing articles such as file folders, having improved reduction or inhibition in the growth of microbes, mold and/or fungus.

1 . A file folder, consisting essentially of:
 a web of cellulose fibers;   0.01-20% by weight of one or more additive selected from the group consisting of binder, sizing agent, retention aid, filler, pigment, flocculation agent, thickener, and a mixture thereof;   100-5000 ppm dry weight of an antimicrobial compound based upon the total weight of the file folder, wherein said antimicrobial compound is selected from the group consisting of an isothiazolone-containing compound, a benzothiazole-containing compound, and a mixture thereof.   
     
     
         2 - 3 . (canceled) 
     
     
         4 . The file folder according to  claim 1 , wherein from 50 to 2000 ppm dry weight of the antimicrobial compound is present based upon the total weight of the file folder. 
     
     
         5 . The file folder according to  claim 1 , wherein from 150 to 1000 ppm dry weight of the antimicrobial compound is present based upon the total weight of the file folder. 
     
     
         6 . (canceled) 
     
     
         7 . The file folder according to  claim 1 , wherein the antimicrobial compound is at least one member selected from the group consisting of dichloro-octyl-isothiazolone, 4,5-dichloro-2-n-octyl-3(2H)-isothiazolone, 2-(thiocyanomethythio)benzothiazole, 1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one, 2-N-octyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one, and thiocyanomethythio-benzothiazole. 
     
     
         8 . The file folder according to  claim 1 , which comprises at least one die-cut edge. 
     
     
         9 - 25 . (canceled) 
     
     
         26 . The file folder according to  claim 1 , wherein no growth of mold or mildew occurs after 14 days as measured by ASTM D 2020-92. 
     
     
         27 . A method of making the file folder according to  claim 1 , comprising contacting the cellulose fibers and one or more of the binder, sizing agent, retention aid, filler, flocculation agent, pigment, or thickener with the antimicrobial compound. 
     
     
         28 . The method of  claim 27 , wherein the contacting is carried out at a wet end of a papermaking process, thin stock, thick stock, machine chest, headbox, size press, coater, shower, sprayer, steambox, or a combination thereof. 
     
     
         29 . The method of  claim 27 , wherein the contacting is carried out at a size press.