Copper: Nano Technology

Inspection Tech has developed a unique process using nano technology, that atomically bonds copper ions to cellulose-based products such as fabrics and paper products that can be produced with existing manufacturing techniques, that are inherently viricidal and will very rapidly deactivate the Covid-19 virus upon contact.

Ionic copper, alone or in copper complexes, have long been used as disinfectants and biocides and is effective for use on solid surfaces, within liquids and even applied to human tissue. Copper also possess powerful antiviral properties and is inimical on point of contact towards the specific respiratory syndrome coronavirus commonly known as COVID-19.

 

Our production process produces copper nanoparticles that are irreversibly bound to cellulose fibres in-situ via the action of copper ions forming permanent bridging atoms in cellulosic chains (opposite).

 

Our production process produces copper nanoparticles that are irreversibly bound to cellulose fibres in-situ via the action of copper ions forming permanent bridging atoms in cellulosic chains (below).

OPTICAL MICROSCOPY: Functionalisation of Cellulosic Chains in Cotton

Before nano treatment

Before Bonding

After nano treatment

After Bonding

Ropes of cotton fibers made from separate individual hair-like strands (each approx. 50μm in diameter), Now all visibly copper-coloured.

Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and EDX Images Elemental Identification OF Copper

SEM Back Scatter Image

SEM Back Scattered Image

Elemental EDX Analysis

Elemental EDX Analysis – Shows only the presence of copper

SEM-Back-Scattered-Image-of-single-fibre

SEM Back Scattered Image of single fibre

Distribution-of-copper-on-single-fibre

Distribution of copper on single fibre.
Copper particles on the tens of nanometre scale

In Production Lines

Our manufacturing process produces functionalised pulp in IBC quantities that can be used in exactly the same fashion as conventional pulp raw material in existing manufacturing lines.

In circumstances (such as when supply chains are too long and shipping costs to high etc ) an alternative is either the purchase or hire functionalising equipment to be installed at the Client’s site.

Licencing of the technology is also available