Corning Incorporated
Phosphorous containing glass having antimicrobial efficacy

Abstract:

A strengthened antimicrobial glass including greater from about 50.0 mol. % to about 65.0 mol. % SiO.sub.2, about 14.0 mol. % to about 22.0 mol. % Al.sub.2O.sub.3, about 14.0 mol. % to about 22.0 mol. % R.sub.2O, wherein R is an alkali metal, and about 4.0 mol. % to 10.0 mol. % P.sub.2O.sub.5. The glass may have a compressive stress layer having a thickness of greater than or equal to about 20 .mu.m less than or equal to about 60 .mu.m and having a compressive stress of greater than or equal to about 700 MPa. The glass may have an antimicrobial activity greater than or equal to about 1.0 log kill at about 23.degree. C. and about 40.0% relative humidity. A method for making the glass may include obtaining a glass article, strengthening the glass article by contact with a first ion-exchange liquid, and contacting the glass article with second ion-exchange liquid comprising an antimicrobial agent.