First hybrid and double workshop of the user group atmospheric pressure plasma ak-adp after the lockdown 2020/2021 with online and face-to-face participants.
The 38th workshop
Under the title "Future arena plasma technology: needs - trends - visions", this workshop of the atmospheric pressure plasma user group was held as a hybrid event from June 15-16, 2021 in Jena/Thuringia. A large number of participants traveled to the event in person, which was clearly a necessity for many after the long break caused by the pandemic. However, some participants only wanted to or were only able to attend virtually. The venue, the MAXX Hotel in Jena, offered both groups opportunities and also provided protection against possible infection for the participants physically present thanks to a careful hygiene concept. The total number of participants was 45, of which around 30 were able to attend in person.
The main topics of the workshop were
- Current plasma applications with future potential
- Test laboratories for applications of atmospheric plasmas for specific requirements from industry as well as training and further education offers
- Presentation and discussion of work submitted for the #ZukunftADP competition
- Panel discussion on the potential of plasma technology for solving currently discussed future issues and possible solutions through the use of atmospheric plasmas.
Current trends for industrial use
Lecture Prof. Dušan KováčikPlasma researchand technology can make an important contribution to social challenges such as climate change, environmental pollution and resource conservation. Prof. Ronny Brandenburg (INP Greifswald) showed in his lecture "Future in Plasma Science - Environment and Gas Conversion" how non-thermal plasmas can contribute to the protection of the environment and resources. Examples of this include the decontamination of air, water, food or surfaces through plasma processes or the chemical conversion and synthesis of chemical substances such asCO2 conversion or the production of synthesis gas for the chemical industry. Plasma can also be used in agriculture to sterilize seeds and soil.
The next speaker was Prof. Dušan Kováčik, CEPLANT, University of Brno, who spoke about "Atmospheric Plasma Modification of Materials for Advanced Performance Properties". He demonstrated the diverse possibilities of plasma technology for creating functional layers and surfaces. This was done using examples such as the pre-treatment for bonding plastics, the selective plasma etching of sensitive polymer/metal structures or the use of plasma processes in the production of flexible perovskite solar cells.
Dr. Michael Thomas, Fraunhofer IST, Braunschweig, reported on "Innovative combination processes with precise spatially resolved plasma functionalization at atmospheric pressure". He presented the plasma printing process, which enables high-resolution area-selective surface treatment with microplasmas at atmospheric pressure. Very good printing results are achieved in combination with gravure printing. The wetting pattern can be controlled by the plasma treatment in such a way that a significant improvement in the printing process is realized.
Break talks
"Molecular precursors for gas phase coating processes" - in this presentation, Dr. Thomas Fischer, University of Cologne, provided information on new possibilities for creating tailor-made plasma functional coatings with the help of specially developed precursors. The basic components, chemical elements and compounds of the coating to be produced are already predetermined through the targeted selection of the molecular precursor (the precursor). Mr. Fischer demonstrated this using selected examples such as barrier coatings, scratch-resistant coatings, self-cleaning surfaces and antibacterial surfaces.
Test laboratories, training and further education offers
Evening program: Jena city tour
Companies and institutes that offer plant technology or services in the field of atmospheric pressure plasma technology usually also have the necessary testing and inspection facilities.
During the workshop, Vetaphone A/S Denmark, AHLBRANDT System GmbH, TIGRES GmbH, MPG - Molecular Plasma Group SA from Luxembourg, relyon plasma GmbH and INNOVENT e.V. Technologieentwicklung gave short presentations on their activities. This was supplemented by exhibition stands.
In the field of atmospheric plasmas, there are many opportunities for testing surface modifications with various equipment systems and special technologies at research institutes and equipment manufacturers. In the participants' presentations, the focus and unique selling points for possible plasma functionalizations were presented and underpinned with examples. These offers can be used as a decision-making aid when planning new products and production lines.
There is also a wide range of training and further education events such as workshops, seminars and webinars.
FutureADP competition
In the run-up to the Zukunftsarena, the #ZukunftADP competition was launched to actively involve students, doctoral candidates, researchers and industry representatives in the discussion on future issues relating to atmospheric plasmas. The prize was awarded in the categories of innovative product development, generation of new surface properties, environmental protection and sustainability, energy saving and energy generation as well as medical technology and health aspects. The 9 entries from universities, research institutes and industry were assessed by a renowned jury according to the following criteria: originality and level of innovation, overall concept, design and technical quality, energy and resource efficiency, utility value and economic success. The jury consisted of leading representatives from R&D and industry as well as sponsors of the competition.
All of the entries were distinguished by their creative ideas and well thought-out solutions. The three best entries were awarded prizes during the workshop. The implementation of the ideas submitted will be supported by the ak-adp over the next two years. The aim is to present implemented ideas at an ak-adp workshop in 2023. There are also plans to continue the competition with new calls for entries.
Poster competition #FutureADP
Keynote speeches and discussion on the key topics relevant to the future named by Plasma Germany
Winner's trophy
In short presentations, the speakers from research and teaching outlined the contribution that atmospheric plasmas can make to important technical and social issues. The topics ranged from the environment (recycling - cycle - sustainability), materials and surfaces to gas treatment/gas conversion and health/medical technology. These topics were identified as relevant future issues for the use of plasmas in meetings of the national expert network Plasma Germany.
The keynote speeches were followed by a lively discussion between all participants and the speakers. It became clear that all participants agreed on the high future potential of atmospheric plasmas for technical and medical applications. Unfortunately, it was not possible to focus on specific goals in this first discussion due to time constraints. It was decided to continue the topic in the next workshops.
If you are interested in further ak-adp workshops, please make a note of November 10 and 11, 2021. Plasma experts will then meet in Jena to present and discuss in particular economic and environmentally friendly innovations for surfaces through the application of atmospheric plasmas.
For longer-term planning, please note the dates of the ak-adp workshops 2022, see table below.
|
Date |
Location |
Topic |
|
41st workshop 30-31.03.2022 |
Hanover/ Lower Saxony |
Atmospheric pressure plasma for hygienically sensitive areas: (waste) air & (waste) water, food & packaging, pharmaceuticals & cosmetics |
|
42nd Workshop 9-10.11.2022 |
Naumburg/ Saxony-Anhalt |
Adhesion optimization - AD plasmas for tailor-made functionalities, sustainable applications & new materials |
In addition, dates for further training events on the application of plasma technology and flame treatment are offered on request.
