On the left, an untreated surface that collects bacteria, on the right, the same surface with a reduced bacterial load

BY PAOLO CICCARONE FORAUTOMOTO.IT

Once the F.1 world championship stops, research doesn't stopof companies operating in the sector.The Nanoprom, a leading company in the nanoparticles sector, presented an innovative protective film in Barcelona(read here), ilPolysil, capable of reducing weight, protecting the surfaces of the cars by preventing dirt from collecting and making the air flow better, with better aerodynamic penetration. Starting from this principle and with the desire not to close the plants, but to continue the research,Gian Luca Falleti, the dynamic entrepreneur from Reggio, asked his technicians a question, obtaining a surprising answer: given that there is a lot of talk about coronavirus and that bacteria resist for a long time on surfaces, can we use our products to eliminate their presence?

FROM F1 STUDIES A REFRACTORY FILM TO BACTERIA

The research and development officehas intensified his studies and the result is that with Polysil suitably treated, the bacterial load has beenreduced by 85 percent: “We have not defeated the coronavirus –says Falleti– but we have found a way to decrease the bacterial concentration on surfaces, hoping it will be a step forward to slow down the spread of the virus that remains in contact with various materials“. In the attached study in the photo it can be seen how the behavior between a normal surface and a treated one is different.

In the untreated onethe agglomeration is unique, full-bodied and adherent; in the treated one we see many scattered droplets (a way to highlight the different behavior) which can be swept away more quickly. “We started from the basic principle of Polysil and modified it for other needs. We are waiting for the OK from the health facilities because our aim is to supply and cover all the interiors of the ambulances and we will do it for free. For hospital surfaces, which are much larger to treat, we will do it at cost price. We don't want to earn anything but we are unable to bear the expense on our own. The others who want to use it on an industrial level will pay for it as a normal product resulting from the research and development of our sector“.

La Nanoprom opera in F.1for years supplying materials to some top teams who have obtained aerodynamic, weight and heat dissipation advantages with nanoparticle-based ultralight products. The headquarters are in Santanonino di Casalgrande, in the province of Reggio Emilia, and the company has also been collaborating for years with the giant Leonardo, dealing with the painting (proving to be a more dynamic group than F.1 itself) of the aircraft supplied to the group. “Lightening paints has a huge advantage in aeronautics –says Falleti– weight is saved and this means less fuel for travel, therefore fewer emissions. Plus a better aerodynamic penetration, therefore a further advantage and savings“.

[Source: www.rmcmotori.com]