Efficient and cost-effective plasma surface treatment method efficient and cost-effective plasma surface treatment method for flexible filtration materials used in the separation of immiscible liquids
PLUME Srl is an innovative company founded in 2016 as a spin-off from the Plasma Prometeo Centre of the University of Milano-Bicocca. Our main business thrust is developing and marketing innovative and high-tech products based on plasma processing. Although a start-up, Plume has a combined experience of more than 20 years of applied research carried out in plasma treatment, deposition and material functionalization. Over the past year, we have focused our work on plasma processes that modify the hydrophilic and hydrophobic properties of textile, technical textile and polymeric films, gaining sound experience in surface treatment and characterisation in various fields of applications.

After identifying a gap in water-oil filtration systems, we have developed PLASMAFIL, an innovative plasma surface treatment process for flexible filtration materials for the separation of immiscible liquids such as oil and water. Applied on polymeric fabric or polymeric membranes, our plasma treatment modifies the surface tension, altering both chemical properties and morphology of the filtering material surface. This improves the efficiency and durability of water filtration systems. This is done in a cost-effective manner, as PLASMAFIL does not require heat, nor solvent or coatings, therefore saving energy, materials and money.

This is particularly of relevance for the oil and chemical sector where industrials are under economic, environmental and regulatory pressure to improve their oily wastewater treatment. 

With PLASMAFIL, we have a vision of expanding our influence and becoming renowned global suppliers of surface treatment processes and treated materials. This will see us grow sustainably, generating €9.48M cumulative revenue by 2024, with a ROI of 2.45.