Nanotechnology enhancement keeps aircraft interiors pristine for longer

Citation

(2007), "Nanotechnology enhancement keeps aircraft interiors pristine for longer", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 79 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.2007.12779bad.017

Nanotechnology enhancement keeps aircraft interiors pristine for longer

Nanotechnology enhancement keeps aircraft interiors pristine for longer

P2i Ltd, based in Oxford, UK, the pioneering nanoscale enhancer of products, is set to give airline companies the edge with its groundbreaking ion mask enhancement for cabin trim, seats, carpets and uniforms. Originally developed as a military technology to protect soldiers from chemical attack, ion mask applies a protective layer, just nanometres thick, over the surface of the material by means of an ionised gas or “plasma”.

Without changing the look, feel or breathability of the fabric, the ion mask treated material becomes super hydrophobic – reportedly making coffee and red wine spills roll off the surface like beads of mercury. Uniforms remain breathable, allowing cabin staff to keep cool, but become highly resistant to food and drink stains. In addition, food odours are said to be repelled, keeping the cabin fresher for longer.

“In a fiercely competitive sector such as the airline industry, keeping the cabin immaculate is vital – in particular during long haul flights, “explains P2i Ltd's technical director, Dr Stephen Coulson. “We have demonstrated ion mask to a number of leading airlines around the world who are currently considering treating their first class cabin areas and uniforms to stay one step ahead of the competition.”

“Certain test criteria must be passed in order to qualify enhanced fabrics as flight safe. P2i has worked alongside a number of industry test houses, with many years' experience in the aircraft sector, to prove that the ion mask technology meets all the necessary criteria,” adds Dr Coulson.

How ion mask works

Ion mask works by applying a protective layer, just nanometres thick, over the entire surface of a product by means of an ionised gas or “plasma”. This layer is molecularly bound to the surface and will not leach away. This transforms the surface of the product to display ultra low surface energy values down to one third that of PTFE (Teflon®), displaying low liquid retention properties; whilst leaving the other desirable properties of the product unchanged. All surfaces of the seat covers are enhanced, reducing staining and maintaining a cleaner, brighter looking cabin interior.

Details available from: P2i Ltd; Tel: +44 (0) 1235-838284; Fax:+44 (0)1235-861214