P2i
Encyclopedia
P2i is a nano-coatings technology company, operating internationally, which has developed a family of patents in liquid-repellent nano-coatings nano-coating technology
based upon UK defense research. The technology can be adapted to provide a range of treatments for different applications.
The technology grows a highly hydrophobic, nanoscopic (40-80 nm) polymer layer, based on perfluorinated carbon compounds, over the entire surface of an object, through the action of a special pulsed, ionized gas plasma, created within a vacuum at room temperature . The nano-coating has the effect of lowering surface energy, down to one third that of PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene
), which in turn imparts hydrophobic properties.
Video footage shows that water and other liquids form beads and roll off when placed in contact with nano-thin polymer treated products P2i claims the process attaches the polymer with covalent bonds and becomes part of the surface of the material it is attached to
P2i claims that its nano-coating technology can impart or enhance liquid repellency with a diverse range of materials, including polymers, metals, fabrics, leather, ceramics, glass and paper. It also claims that the nano-coating is effective in protecting complex, 3D objects incorporating several different materials, thanks to the gas-phase operation of the polymerization process
P2i Ltd was established as a stand-alone company in 2004, as the first DSTL technology spin-out managed by Ploughshare Innovations (the DSTL’s technology transfer company)
On 13 July 2010, P2i announced the acquisition of Surface Innovations Ltd, a UK-based technology company with several functional nano-coating patent families in areas such as anti-bacterial resistance and liquid attracting (super wettable)
For consumer-facing products the company has created sector-specific trademarked brands.
The ion-mask brand
is used in lifestyle products such as footwear, outdoor clothing and accessories (gloves and headwear). ion-mask products are on sale from several international footwear companies including Timberland, Nike, adidas Golf, Hi-Tec, Magnum Boots, Van Dal, Teva, and K-Swiss
.
The Aridion brand, is used in consumer electronics, focusing initially on the hearing aid sector where the company now claims to have processed over 5m devices.
On 14 September 2010, P2i announced the opening of an office in Singapore to serve the ASPAC region.
Nanotechnology
Nanotechnology is the study of manipulating matter on an atomic and molecular scale. Generally, nanotechnology deals with developing materials, devices, or other structures possessing at least one dimension sized from 1 to 100 nanometres...
based upon UK defense research. The technology can be adapted to provide a range of treatments for different applications.
Technology
The company’s platform technology is based on original PhD research carried out in the late 1990s by P2i's Chief Technology Officer, Dr Stephen Coulson, within the Functional Surfaces group led by Professor Jas Pal Badyal at Durham UniversityDurham University
The University of Durham, commonly known as Durham University, is a university in Durham, England. It was founded by Act of Parliament in 1832 and granted a Royal Charter in 1837...
The technology grows a highly hydrophobic, nanoscopic (40-80 nm) polymer layer, based on perfluorinated carbon compounds, over the entire surface of an object, through the action of a special pulsed, ionized gas plasma, created within a vacuum at room temperature . The nano-coating has the effect of lowering surface energy, down to one third that of PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene
Polytetrafluoroethylene
Polytetrafluoroethylene is a synthetic fluoropolymer of tetrafluoroethylene that finds numerous applications. PTFE is most well known by the DuPont brand name Teflon....
), which in turn imparts hydrophobic properties.
Video footage shows that water and other liquids form beads and roll off when placed in contact with nano-thin polymer treated products P2i claims the process attaches the polymer with covalent bonds and becomes part of the surface of the material it is attached to
P2i claims that its nano-coating technology can impart or enhance liquid repellency with a diverse range of materials, including polymers, metals, fabrics, leather, ceramics, glass and paper. It also claims that the nano-coating is effective in protecting complex, 3D objects incorporating several different materials, thanks to the gas-phase operation of the polymerization process
History
Coulson’s research project was funded by the DSTL which wished to protect clothing from water and other liquids whilst maximizing confort.P2i Ltd was established as a stand-alone company in 2004, as the first DSTL technology spin-out managed by Ploughshare Innovations (the DSTL’s technology transfer company)
On 13 July 2010, P2i announced the acquisition of Surface Innovations Ltd, a UK-based technology company with several functional nano-coating patent families in areas such as anti-bacterial resistance and liquid attracting (super wettable)
Applications, brands and licensees
According to P2i’s website, current applications for its technology are in the categories of ‘Electronics, Lifestyle, Life Sciences, Filtration & Energy and Military & Institutional’For consumer-facing products the company has created sector-specific trademarked brands.
The ion-mask brand
is used in lifestyle products such as footwear, outdoor clothing and accessories (gloves and headwear). ion-mask products are on sale from several international footwear companies including Timberland, Nike, adidas Golf, Hi-Tec, Magnum Boots, Van Dal, Teva, and K-Swiss
K-Swiss
K-Swiss, Inc. is an American footwear company based in Westlake Village, California. The company designs, develops, and markets a range of athletic shoes under the K-Swiss brand.- History :...
.
The Aridion brand, is used in consumer electronics, focusing initially on the hearing aid sector where the company now claims to have processed over 5m devices.
Locations
P2i Ltd has a head office on the MEPC Milton Park campus near Oxford, UK, but there are also two wholly owned subsidiaries in the US: P2i Inc and P2i Processing Centres Inc. These operate across two US facilities: a US Technology Center based at the Herty Advanced Material Development Center in Savannah, Georgia; and a US Processing Centre based in Beaverton, Oregon.On 14 September 2010, P2i announced the opening of an office in Singapore to serve the ASPAC region.