Polymer-based materials

Arjuna Textiles

Country: USA
Microbial infections are an omnipresent threat to humanity ranging in severity from malodorous nuisances and allergies to life threatening hospital acquired drug-resistant infections. The primary mechanism of transmission among the classes of microbial infections – bacterial, fungal, and viral – is through contact with contaminated surfaces. Examples of surface contamination include MRSA in hospitals, molds in flooring and ventilation, flu virus on door handles, and odor causing bacteria in sweaty clothing. The ability of microbes to colonize a given surface determines how likely a person is to contract an infection from the contaminated surface. Arjuna Textile (Arjuna) develops products that prevent microbes from colonizing on surfaces, blocking transmission and infection from occurring. The focus is on producing and selling high-quality aseptic textiles that remain persistently sterile, suitable for a wide range of applications in medical, apparel, and construction materials markets. Arjuna is focused on designing materials and processes compatible with modern large-scale textile manufacturing processes. Textiles are functionalized with a long-lasting broadband antimicrobial that is effective against virtually all virus, bacteria, and fungus species, yet has a long history of human use without toxicity. The textile functionalization process uses low-cost, non-toxic precursors with high-throughput reel-to-reel automated manufacturing and is customizable to meet optimized specifications for diverse applications. The competitive advantage of Arjuna's business model comes from the combination of low-cost input materials, high-tech manufacturing, and application flexibility. Arjuna will compete on a cost basis, attracting customers from competitors and opening the market to novel applications for antimicrobial textiles. The market for antimicrobial textiles worldwide is large. During the year 2000, 100,000 tons were sold worldwide. Furthermore, between 2001 and 2005, the market size increased at a rate of 15% per annum. This trend will continue as preventative medicine, and associated cost savings, are adopted by increasing numbers of medical providers.

NICE FILLER

Country: Italy
The project concerns the production and commercialization of multilayer barrier films for various food packaging applications. They will be realized starting from an inorganic component loaded inside a commercial polymer matrix and characterized by a nanometric lamellar structure able to intercalate with ionic bonds active molecules. Polymer matrices could be synthetic, naturally or biodegradable. In addition to the barrier function, the incorporation of the nanometric compound into the polymeric matrix can be employed for the incorporation of active molecules in the polymer films. A partnership is already activated with an existing company that will bring the products to the market. Initially, the products will be sell preferentially to local food companies trying, where is possible, to produce on specific requests. This will help us to obtain market recognition, establish trading relationships with suppliers, and improve customer service and marketing opportunities.

Quantum Solar

Country: Italy
Polymeric nano-composites can be used to fabricate special optical filters that enhance the electric energy generated by common photovoltaic panels