look what we did!
Category: Innovation Bonds
Polyurethane Sponges Cut Through the Mess
It is likely you never consider what germs may be lurking in your household sponge. After all, a sponge is a more or less permanent fixture at kitchen sinks around the country, and the design of this domestic mainstay has remained virtually unchanged for the past several decades.
But, the seemingly innocuous sponge harbors its own share of dirty secrets and is not without critics.
Among its detractors, the chief complaint about the sponge is that it offers a breeding ground for germs that can cause serious illnesses like E. coli poisoning. Food particles get stuck in the porous surface of the sponge. Once trapped, they can grow moldy and rotten over time – at which point the sponge becomes ground zero for bacteria and cross contamination.
You may have read the headlines that kitchen sinks – and even our dishtowels – carry more germs than the average toilet seat. A sponge can transmit illness in our kitchens, soaking up these germs and spreading them around a food preparation area.
But, thanks to polyurethane, researchers say there some sponges are safer and more sanitary. While experts say cellulose sponges, made from a blend of tree particles, dominate the current sponge market in the United States, polyurethane sponges may offer a safer alternative.
A study published in the Journal of Food Protection and Food Protection Trends found that polyurethane sponges can be disinfected much more easily and thoroughly than their cellulose counterparts. In one instance, polyurethane sponges reduced the risk of E. coliinfection by as much as 90 percent after proper disinfecting when the E. colipathogen was present.
While swapping out your cellulose sponge for a polyurethane one can be an excellent first step in reducing foodborne illnesses, some experts recommend replacing your sponge once a week or giving your existing sponge a once-weekly disinfecting, which can usually be accomplished by microwaving your wet sponge on high for approximately two minutes.
Related Articles
As you travel in a car, bus, or train you might not give much thought to the windows and windshields…Read more
The Annual Polyurethane Innovation Award Each year, the Center for the Polyurethanes Industry presents the Polyurethane Innovation Award. This honor…Read more
Name: Norman Su Age: 33 Title: New Business Development Manager Company: Huntsman Educational Background: B.S. Chemical Engineering, Business Minor, Cornell…Read more
Homeowners today are looking to maximize every square inch of their living space. As we find ourselves not just eating…Read more
As readers of this blog know, 3D printing has helped revolutionize the design and manufacturing of everything from housing to…Read more
Planning an outdoor adventure? Here are 10 items to be sure to bring for maximum comfort and fun, all thanks…Read more
Have you ever thought about what makes the seats, armrests, or headrests in your car so comfortable? What is keeping…Read more
3D printing with polyurethane is showing up in one of the most unlikely of places — baseball gloves. Baseball gloves…Read more
Fresh air, delicious food, good times — there’s a lot to love about picnic season. Thanks to polyurethane, you can…Read more
Name: Brandon Parks Age: 34 Title: Senior Scientist Company: Covestro Educational Background: BS Chemistry – Lebanon Valley College BS Biochemistry…Read more
Wheat is one of the most widely grown crops on the planet, and it’s no wonder why. Wheat is a…Read more
Replacing an existing roof can be expensive and time consuming, especially when the goal is to cover tens of thousands…Read more
Name: Stephen MartinAge: 33Title: Technical ManagerCompany: BASF CorporationEducational Background: B.S. in Chemistry from the University of Michigan Like many young…Read more
With fall in full swing, football season is here. As your favorite teams take to the field this autumn, you…Read more
You likely know that cornhole is a favorite pastime at backyard barbecues and tailgates. But, you might be surprised to…Read more
You’ve heard of renewable energy sources like the wind and the sun, but what about a stretchy battery powered by…Read more
When it comes to spending a leisurely summer day out on the water, polyurethane plays many important roles. For example,…Read more
From the cars we drive to the mattresses we sleep on, polyurethane touches upon multiple aspects of day-to-day living —…Read more
As a young man growing up in Mexico, Jorge Vazquez says he was always curious about the world around him…Read more
This summer, we will come together in celebration and competition to crown top athletes from around the world. As these…Read more