Polymer Biotechnological Metallization

ended

Injection moulding industry in Europe is in recession and there is a clear need to take actions in order to allow the recovery of this industry. Surface treatment of injected products offers the opportunity to add value to products and to enter in new industries. The automotive market is the most valuable injection moulding sector where surface treated (metallized) objects are used for functional parts (headlights) and aesthetic parts (decorative finishing). The current technology for the metallization process is usually vacuum deposition. The limitations of vacuum deposition are well known, where high investment in the technology, negative environmental impact and high-energy demands are the most prominent. A biotechnological solution for polymers metallization is a novel solution, where algae are used to deposit metals on selected surfaces. There are no similar solutions worldwide and the implementation of this technology will address several EU directives and guidelines with benefits in the industry and environmental protection. POLYBIOMETAL project will allow the commercialization of a disruptive green technology that will allow cost efficient, fast, simple and environmentally friendly metallization of polymers. POLYBIOMETAL is a novel and disruptive technology that uses algae for the metallization of polymers. This process will allow a sustainable and more competitive metallization process.