Plasma technologies in the service of the companies for the innovation of processes and products with respect for environment
The companies Plasmatreat Italia S.r.l. and Environment Park S.p.A. have renewed the collaboration agreement by increasing the equipment at the Plasma Nano-Tech laboratories. In addition to the systems for cleaning and activation of surfaces with atmospheric pressure plasma Openair-Plasma, PlasmaPlus coating system has been installed.
This technology allows to functionalize the surfaces of nearly all kinds of materials such as plastics, glass, steel, aluminum, polymeric films and fabrics with coatings of various chemical nature achieving performance with high innovation content.
Plasma polymerization with the PlasmaPlus method is useful for many applications in the industrial setting, due to its flexibility and the wide range of chemical solutions that can be achieved with excellent results in many industrial applications of different sectors. Some interesting examples include:
The company Diener electronic, leader in the production of low-pressure plasma systems, and Environment Park S.p.A., are involved in the development of dedicated processes for the surface treatment of industrial components. The current projects are focusing on applications in plastic materials, rubber and biomedical sectors. The plant equipped in the Plasma Nano-Tech area of Environment Park is the PICO with an internal chamber misuring w 560 x d 600 x h 460. Such technology allows to develop both processes of activation and grafting of dedicated functionalities and deposition processes. The protective internal layer also allows the realization of special coatings.
Environment Park S.p.A. and Grinp S.r.l. have been collaborating for a long time in the development of innovative processes on fabrics and packaging thanks to the introduction of an atmospheric pilot scale plant in the APGD (Atmospheric Pressure Glow Discharge). The technology is suitable to the treatment of fabrics both for the geometric conformation and for the possibility of operating continuously with the management of roll to roll systems. The processes developed are immediately transferable to an industrial scale as the operating conditions (process gas flows and power of the generators) allow to obtain high reproducibility of treatment even with fabrics in full height (2m – 4m). Several case studies have led to the realization of innovative processes, such as the cold dyeing of wool, the dyeing of cotton without pre-treatment of scouring and bleaching, the treatment of carbon fabrics to improve their wettability and the treatment of prosthetic devices. The Grinp experience and the synergies with the Plasma Nano-Tech area of Environment Park have allowed the realization of industrial tests as important in demonstrating the possibility of using plasma technology in low-impact, continuous industrial processes.
An innovative procedure, able to modify the functional properties of surface of ski bases (running surface) made of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene with the goal of increasing the maximum amount of absorbable wax was developed and patented by the Plasma Nano-Tech sector of Environment Park.
