Corning Incorporated
Methods of making antimicrobial glass articles

Abstract:

Described herein are various methods and manufacturing methods for making antimicrobial and strengthened, antimicrobial glass articles and substrates. The methods described herein generally include contacting the article with a KNO.sub.3-containing molten salt bath set at about 380 C to about 460 C for about 30 minutes to about 24 hours to form a compressive stress layer that extends inward from a surface of the glass substrate to a first depth; and contacting the article comprising the compressive stress layer with a AgNO.sub.3-containing molten salt bath set at about 300.degree. C. to about 400.degree. C. for about 5 minutes to about 18 hours to form an antimicrobial region that extends inward from the surface of the glass substrate to a second depth. The methods also include poisoning at least the AgNO.sub.3-containing molten salt bath and, in some cases, the KNO.sub.3-containing molten salt bath. Poisoning components include Na.sup.+ and Li.sup.+ ions.