At present, wearing a mask in public is the main measure to prevent the spread of droplets and aerosols. Contact transmission is often ignored. Coronavirus (COVID-19) virus can survive on any surface for hours or even days. Under special conditions, The virus can survive on the phone screen for nearly a month.
Corning, known as "the most drop-resistant Gorilla Glass with a screen that shakes the entire mobile phone market," recently announced a new technological invention.
The technology announced by Corning this time is called "Guardiant". It is understood that this is a "new breakthrough in glass ceramic technology". A copper additive is added to the glass ceramic technology to bring pathogens to the surface.
Corning stated that the technology has "high-strength and long-lasting antibacterial activity" against SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) in the test. After a six-year simulating scrub test on the glass, the antibacterial ability is still effective.
In addition to SARS-CoV-2, this technology can kill 99.9% of bacteria and viruses within two hours, including the most difficult to kill Norovirus.
According to Corning’s description of “can kill 99.9% of bacteria within two hours”, Corning is likely to use “bacteriostatic copper” into the glass ceramic technology. It is reported that “bacteriostatic copper” is currently the only one obtained US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) antibacterial registered solid material, which can inhibit the growth of diseased bacteria 24 hours a day, and kill more than 99% (specific) bacteria on the surface within two hours.
After six years of simulating scrub test, the antibacterial ability can be maintained. It seems that Corning's new technology is already in the mature stage.
At present, Corning only announced that the technology relies on copper to kill bacteria and viruses on the surface. The specific details and time to market of the coating technology have not been officially announced.