Under the patronage of Harry Glawe, Minister for Economic Affairs, Labour and Health of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, the Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP) invites you to attend the digital "Plasma Technology User Days" from 27 to 28 April 2021. "The INP has many years of experience in developing plasma-based processes for various industrial applications ( ). In our "Plasma Technology User Days" event series, we not only present these technologies, but also demonstrate practical examples of how technological plasmas can be integrated into industrial processes and used to develop innovative products. The dialogue between science and industry that this event offers is the central driver for translating scientific findings into innovations and decisively advancing technology transfer," says Dr. Katja Fricke, head of the "Bioactive Surfaces" research focus at INP and contact person on the organising committee for the 2021 User Days.
During the User Days, companies from all industries and interested parties will have the opportunity to learn about plasma-based concepts and implementation strategies for industrial application. They will gain insight into current developments in plasma technology, the key to processes with high potential for innovation, growth and sustainability. Specific applications from industry and research will be presented on the topics of renewable energies, the environment and agriculture, and life sciences.
Participation in the user days is free of charge. Registration is possible at the link: bit.ly/3qFMNNk. All participants will receive the dial-in details for the digital event in advance after successful registration. The registration deadline is 25 April 2021.
Continuous research and further development of plasma processes and systems make a significant contribution to opening up new fields of application.
Plasma-assisted surface processes are now user-friendly and give materials new properties and significant added value through the targeted creation of specific surface functionalities. The development of plasma-based surface processes for optimising new materials and substances is a key factor in supporting the transition to an energy supply based predominantly on renewable energy sources.
In the RENEWABLE ENERGIES section, the User Days on 27 April will showcase various industrial thin-film technologies and nanomaterials that open up new avenues for manufacturing essential components and materials for fuel cells and electrolysers. The aim is to increase energy production and efficiency. A key topic is the development of new fields of application with potential for plasma technology in CO2-neutral material conversion processes. Experts will also report on applications for the treatment of wastewater, manure and fermentation residues, including improvements to the fermentation process and increased efficiency of biogas plants.
In the ENVIRONMENT & AGRICULTURE section, experts will report on 28 April on current developments in innovative plasma processes for improving the resistance of plants to abiotic and biotic stress factors and for increasing growth and yield. The aim here is to achieve chemical-free agricultural production in the future. Another topic in this section is the use of plasmas in wastewater treatment to destroy stubborn compounds such as pharmaceutical residues, as well as the potential of plasma treatments for pollutant degradation in groundwater remediation. Scientists will also provide information on possibilities for plasma-based air purification to remove toxic or undesirable pollutants (including odours) from air or exhaust gas streams.
Plasma medicine is an innovative field of research at the interface between physics and life sciences that has been experiencing tremendous international growth in recent years. In the LIFE SCIENCES section, experts will use cardiovascular implants for structural heart disease as an example to showcase activities ranging from biomaterial development to technology transfer. The focus here is on the development of innovative processes and technologies for restoring certain bodily functions or diagnosing specific diseases. In this thematic block, participants will learn about a highly sensitive, marker-free method based on functionalised microparticles for the detection of specific biomolecules. Another focus is on the presentation of plasma-based processes for the deposition of functional layers with the aim of controlling interactions at the interface between a biological system and a technical surface. Examples include promoting the immobilisation of enzymes or the adhesion of bacteria and the associated reduction in biofilm formation. Photocatalytic surfaces with a layer of metal oxide, usually TiO2, which are activated by irradiation in the UV or visible wavelength range, are also included. In combination with a naturally occurring thin film of water, these activated surfaces interact with cells, microorganisms and other liquids. In combination with ideal wettability of the surface, this often results in self-cleaning or "easy-to-clean" surfaces. This technology is used, for example, in architectural glass.
