Antivir-R2R: Antimicrobial roll-2-roll coating of adhesive plastics foil by atmospheric plasma spraying with long-term durable, biocidal Cu-Zn alloys – final simulation and field test phase towards fulfilment of regulatory issues (ECHA);
Inocon Technologie;
Presentationn video: Antivir-R2R
Final Report Video
Although SARS-CoV-2 is mainly transmitted via aerosols, up to 20% virus spreading occurs by smear infection from aerosols deposited on surfaces in the immediate vicinity of infected persons. Insufficient hand hygiene – a challenge for children and cognitive impaired persons (elderly, mentally retarded) – easily may transfer sufficient virus count from surfaces to e.g. their mucous membranes or eyes. High risks in hospitals, nursing homes, doctor’s offices are frequently touched public indoor objects like counter desks, door handles, handrails, elevator push buttons, etc.. Further efficient infection pathways are shopping cart handles and handrails and grab bars in public transport.
Besides frequent disinfection, antimicrobial materials like copper alloys can effectively contribute to eliminate virus (and bacteria) and minimize smear infection risks. Especially foils can easily sticked on installed objects; However, commercial adhesive foil & tape biocide systems are either based on clinically not accepted silver (due to high risks of nosocomial bacteria resistance formation), on harmful metal nanoparticles in paints, or on rapidly corroding pure copper. More durable alternatives, e.g. slightly zinc alloyed corrosion-resistant copper alloys, currently lack on adequate mass-production processes.
Goal of our antivir-R2R project is filling this gap by thin copper-zinc-alloy microparticle coatings on adhesive plastics foils. It combines Inocon’s unique roll-to-roll atmospheric plasma spray technology (APS) with current use in electronics production AND highly promising recent findings on highly antiviral Cu-Zn coatings. Starting from a TRL 6-7, we expect (1) technological upscale to cheap mass-production (<2 €/m²), (2) prove of long-term durable efficiency in simulated and field test conditions (full elimination of COV-19 & H1N1 bacteria; s. aureus, e. coli, MRSA bacteria in 0.5 hours) and (3) safe use by fulfilling the EU Biocide Products Directive 528/2012 (= TRL 8).