13 July 2004
On the surface it's repellent
A revolutionary nanometre-thick coating, first researched to protect
soldiers' suits against chemical and biological warfare agents, is set
to radically change the performance and protection of everyday consumer
products. Sportswear, clothing, mobile phones and medical devices can
be coated in this invisible layer, three times more repellent than Teflon,
to repel liquids and stains.
The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) at Porton Down
and the University of Durham first pioneered the technology for nuclear
biological and chemical suits for service personnel. Now it is set to
revolutionise the civilian markets as Dstl launches a joint venture
with industry.
Dstl and investment fund Circus Capital Technology have united to create
a new company called P2i Limited. Also known as Porton Plasma Innovations,
the company will exploit low temperature plasma processing technology
across a wide variety of civilian markets. Unlike traditional protective
methods, which can adversely affect the feel, drape and quality of materials,
the unique coating offers maximum repellency against stains and liquids,
including oils, without compromising the performance or bulk properties
of the product.
Stephen Coulson, P2i's Technical Director explained: "A joint research
programme between Dstl and the University of Durham has resulted in
the means to create an invisible ultra-thin polymer coating where water
beads up on a surface like mercury, protecting the material or device
it has been applied to. In fact its very low surface energy is one third
that of Teflon, an industry standard, meaning that we can identify many
consumer benefits. Now we can coat even the most complex-shaped objects
whatever they're made of - practically any material including textiles,
plastics, glass, metal and wood will benefit - and in the case of textiles,
they retain their durability and breathability.
"We've developed a process that is simple to set up, has low power
consumption and operating costs, uses very small amounts of chemicals
and produces very little waste. Our staff have in-depth experience of
a broad range of plasma technologies so they can continue to develop
and modify them for new materials and products."
Circus Capital Technology, which is headed up by Harvey Boulter has
currently invested £750,000 into the venture. Dstl financed the pilot
plant facility and granted the intellectual property, including a patent
licence to P2i in return for 55% of the equity in the company.
"Given the enormous potential for P2i uses world-wide, we see this
technology as a very good opportunity to generate some healthy returns
for our investors," said Harvey Boulter of Circus Capital.
Dr Frances Saunders, Dstl's Technical Director said: "P2i's patented
plasma processing is a true 21st century technology and its potential
in the commercial market is enormous. The creation of P2i demonstrates
that leading edge defence technology has non-military spin-offs that
can improve a whole host of products. The new company will be marketing
its coatings, licenses and research across market areas such as aerospace,
medical and laboratory healthcare, sports and active wear, consumer
and electronic goods as well as military applications, in fact anything
that suffers from liquid intrusion - the list is endless. There have
already been advanced discussions with major potential partners in Europe,
the US and Far East and there's continued interest from the MOD. One
company in the laboratory healthcare market has already taken out a
license for one application and the products are now on sale."
P2i is based on the Tetricus Science Park at Dstl, Porton Down near
Salisbury where it has laboratories and office space. The company also
has access to a wide range of equipment, facilities and expertise within
Dstl.
For more information, please contact:
Sue Ellison, Acting Public
Relations Manager
01980 613933
mobile: 07776 497701
Shirley Boards, Press Officer
01252 455995
mobile: 07766 134768
Notes to Editors:
Dstl
Dstl (the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory) is the centre of
scientific excellence for the Ministry of Defence, housing one of the
largest groups of scientists and engineers in public service in the
country. Its 3,000 strong workforce, at sites all over the UK, includes
some of the nation's most talented and creative scientists with the
brief to ensure that the UK Armed Forces and Government are supported
in-house by world class scientific advice. Dstl delivers defence research,
specialist technical services and the ability to track global technological
developments. Its capabilities compare with the best in the world, supporting
defence policy making and operations and procurement decisions. For
more information visit: www.dstl.gov.uk
Circus Capital Technology
Circus Capital Technology is a fund designed primarily for sophisticated
investors seeking long term capital growth from the technology sector.
Of the fund, 75 per cent is invested in a selection of leading technology
funds through a fund of funds vehicle. The other 25 per cent is used
as development capital for the commercialisation of military research
applications. For more information on Circus Capital Funds: www.circuscapital.com
P2i - Porton Plasma Innovations
Originally a research programme between Dstl and the University of Durham
and funded by the MOD; patents were filed in 1997. P2i is a joint venture
between Dstl and Circus Capital Technology. It was formed on 29 January
2004 and will take plasma modified devices from development to market-ready
products. P2i's competitive advantage is the unparalleled ability to
develop and scale-up plasma deposition and treatment technologies. Its
multiple income streams include: licensing, contract coating, market-focused
joint ventures, research contracts, consultancy. For information on
P2I's technology, facilities/capabilities and applications currently
under investigation see: www.p2ilabs.com
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