Smart surface solutions for residue-free tubes and bottles
Innovative surface-engineering solution utilizing fast neutral atom bombardment and SiO₂ coatings to minimize residue in tubes and bottles. This technology enhances product evacuation, reduces contamination, and improves recyclability, targeting consumer packaged goods.
Overview
This innovative solution leverages advanced surface-engineering techniques to address the challenge of residue retention in tubes and bottles containing viscous and semi-solid consumer packaged goods. By employing fast neutral atom bombardment (FAB) for surface tailoring and depositing a durable, inert layer of SiO₂, this technology minimizes product adhesion and contamination. This advancement not only ensures nearly full evacuation of products but also enhances the recyclability of packaging materials by preventing contamination from active ingredients.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Fast Neutral Atom Bombardment (FAB): Allows precise control over surface chemistry and nanoscale topography without affecting the bulk material.
- SiO₂ Coating: A thin, conformal layer that is chemically inert and thermally stable, preventing product interaction with the substrate polymer and reducing contamination.
- Compatibility: Suitable for use with standard tube materials and processes, including high-temperature seal zones (~250 °C).
- Testing and Validation: Includes surface characterization, film adhesion and barrier tests, evacuation performance, and compliance with FDA/food contact standards.
- Recyclability: Evaluation of recyclability and alignment with RecyClass suitability standards.
Technology readiness level
This technology is at TRL 9, indicating that it has been fully developed and validated for commercial deployment. The solution has undergone extensive testing, including pilot line trials and scale-up planning, ensuring readiness for immediate integration into packaging processes.
About Université de Moncton
Canada’s largest French-language university outside Quebec, the Université de Moncton is a comprehensive public institution with three campuses serving New Brunswick. Industry engages through the Bureau de soutien à l’innovation, which brokers collaborations, supports IP, and connects companies to faculty expertise, while co‑op programs streamline talent pipelines; based in Canada’s only officially bilingual province, it also offers access to francophone and bilingual talent. Shared‑use laboratories and analytical services support regional SMEs and pilot work, and collaboration with Vitalité Health Network’s university hospital in Moncton enables clinical teaching and research. Research is supported by competitive funding from Canada’s Tri‑Agency councils and the Canada Foundation for Innovation, alongside provincial and regional programs.
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