Taking full advantage of the innovative potential of fibre-reinforced plastics through consistent research and development, LAMILUX had underscored this claim with a new technologically advanced and solution-oriented project which has culminated in a spectacular new composite material: a fibre-reinforced plastic with a nanosilver-coated surface which gives it an anti-bacterial effect and kills germs within just a few hours. The material was initially developed specifically as a wall coating for operating theatres in hospitals and for the safe transport of foodstuffs, their storage and hygienic processing. The Regensburg-based research company Rent-a-Scientist, a world leader in nanosilver research, was the partner in this project.
Multi-resistant germs pose a major threat in hospitals and could be fatal to patients. Clinics therefore constantly face the challenge of preventing dangerous hospital germs from forming by taking targeted preventive and emergency hygiene measures. The dreaded MRSA (methycillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) regularly appears in OR areas and could cause wound infections and respiratory inflammation in patients – and it is resistant to certain antibiotics.
LAMILUX AntiBac
The new anti-bacterial material called ‘LAMILUX AntiBac’ can be used as wall and ceiling panels. Together with Rent-a-Scientist, a nanosilver coating was developed on which it has been scientifically proven that dangerous germs die within a few hours. In addition to clinical use, there are also numerous areas of application for the high-tech material, mainly in the food industry, where high hygiene standards need to be maintained and sterility is paramount. Examples include refrigerated warehouses, cold stores and refrigerated vehicles as well as in processing areas and slaughter houses.
The fibre-reinforced composites of LAMILUX are produced on five flat sheet production lines, each roughly one hundred metres long. They are considered to represent the cutting edge of technology – the most sophisticated of their kind in Europe. During the continuous production process, fibre mats are saturated in resins and additives. The manufacturing process carries the plastic sheets through many different stations, where they are given properties in accordance with pre-defined parameters as required for the desired application which they will be used for. The result: a high-strength, permanently bonded composite material.
The highly automated, computer-controlled production technology allows LAMILUX to manufacture fibre-reinforced composites in consistently optimum quality which can be reproduced at any time. An extensive quality management programme ensures that the stringent production standards are met. In addition to in-process production monitoring, this also includes final, exhaustive laboratory inspections.
