According to recent research at the University of Southampton, a copper surface is able to inactivate organisms such as MRSA, E-coli and Listeria in as little as 90 minutes. This natural anti-microbial property makes copper and its alloys suitable for a range of hospital touch surface products, including door handles, push plates, light switch plates, bed rails, intravenous poles, drug trolleys, counter and table tops and hand rails. The research showed that MRSA survival on copper is just 1.5 hours compared with stainless steel, where survival of these organisms can continue beyond 72 hours. The Copper Development Association has formed the Copper Anti-microbial Interest Group for those wishing to be kept abreast of developments in this area.Email: alison.brett@copperdev.co.ukToughened epoxy resists up to 230oCMaster Bond's new toughened, high temperature resistant expoxy, Supreme 33, is resistant to long exposures at temperatures up to 230oC. It bonds metals, glass, ceramics, wood, vulcanised rubber and most plastics, and is recommended for the bonding of dissimilar substrates subject to thermal cycling, vibration, impact and shock.