SurfIAtech Atmospheric plasma system that can be self-parameterised by means of artificial intelligence
The adhesion of polymeric materials is essential in the footwear industry. However, conventional surface treatments used to achieve this rely on restricted chemicals and generate waste. This can be avoided through the use of a promising alternative: plasma technology, which is already used in other industrial sectors but presents a challenge for implementation in footwear manufacturing due to the wide variety of materials involved and the need to fine-tune treatment parameters for each specific use. In this context, INESCOP, within the framework of the SurfIAtech project funded by IVACE, proposes the implementation of an atmospheric plasma system that automatically adjusts application parameters using artificial intelligence.
In the footwear industry, achieving effective adhesion of polymeric materials is critical to ensure product quality and durability. Yet this is technically challenging due to the great variety of components used. While conventional surface treatments have proven effective, they often involve environmentally harmful substances that pose health risks for manufacturing workers.
An alternative to these traditional treatments is plasma technology, a dry process that reduces water consumption in the sector and eliminates the use of toxic substances. Although this promising technique has yielded positive results in other production fields, its application in the footwear sector remains difficult due to the wide variety of materials in a shoe and the need to adjust plasma treatment parameters according to each specific case.
To address this issue, INESCOP, with funding from IVACE, is carrying out the SurfIAtech project, which proposes the development and implementation of an atmospheric plasma system capable of automatically adjusting its application parameters through artificial intelligence.
SurfIAtech OBJECTIVE
The aim of the SurfIAtech project is to develop an advanced atmospheric plasma surface treatment system capable of self-parameterising using artificial intelligence. This will optimise the adhesion of polymeric materials used in footwear manufacturing, ensuring bonding and product durability in a sustainable manner.
EXPECTED RESULTS
The SurfIAtech project aims to identify the key variables affecting atmospheric plasma treatment of the main polymeric materials used in footwear, and to generate an extensive test database for training artificial intelligence models capable of implementing predictive models tailored to the plasma treatment of each material.
Start date: 01/01/2024
End date: 31/12/2024
Reference: IMDEEA/2024/42
SurfIAtech video - Spanish version
SurfIAtech video - English version
Digital leafletResults report and Dissemination report (deliverables)
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The SurfIAtech project contributes to the following SDGs:
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