Processes

Substances that are difficult to degrade, such as drug residues or pesticides in industrial wastewater, must be removed with oxidizing substances such as ozone and hydrogen peroxide or UV irradiation. The use of plasma processes, which belong to the AOP (advanced oxidation processes), can be an alternative.

We use reactive particles in plasma to effectively remove surface contaminants such as oil residues from surfaces.

Thermal sterilization processes cannot be used for thermolabile materials such as medical devices or components of medical equipment. The sterilizing, microbial cell inactivating effect of low-temperature plasmas offers a material-friendly alternative.

We use various gas discharge lamps, including specially developed excimer lamps, but also UV LEDs to inactivate microorganisms and viruses on surfaces.

Due to its cleaning and sterilizing effect - while at the same time being gentle on materials - plasma technology is also in demand for the conservation and restoration treatment of historical cultural goods.  Fraunhofer IGB is a founding member of the Cultural Heritage Research Alliance.

Product development cycles for polymeric materials such as coatings are complex, expensive and lengthy, primarily due to testing procedures. Plasma-based processes can mimic outdoor weathering. Results show that this can significantly shorten development cycles for coatings.