UV-C is one type of ultra-violet radiation . The sun discharges it , but essentially all of it is absorbed by the Earth ’ s atmosphere . It has been used for more than 50 years as a component of sterilizing and filtration systems ; the radiation breaks down molecules of DNA within a micro-organism , which prevents it from replicating itself . The airline industry is learning from the healthcare field ’ s experience and is now starting to incorporate UV-C cleaning methods for the plane interior .
The medical profession — for which SIMONA Boltaron also supplies raw materials — uses UV-C to sterilize equipment , and there are some real advantages , said Molly Bridger , the company ’ s vice president of marketing .
“ Our understanding of it is that it has a wider-spread cleaning efficiency for getting into those harder-to-reach areas ,” she said . Plastic surfaces can have textures , grooves or even scratches where microbes can hide from a disinfectant in the grime that fills those tiny pockets . UV-C can reach there . “ UV-C cleaning is more complete ,” Bridger said .
One problem is that many plastics will fade in color or otherwise degrade when exposed to the harsh light . Boltaron ’ s 9815N maintains color-fastness after continuous exposure to UV-C and doesn ’ t degrade when scrubbed with harsh cleansers , she said .
Boltaron materials produce components for cabin interiors parts , from the galley to the lavatory and in between , Bridger said .
The company this fall was looking for potential new uses for its materials and working on new formulations that could have anti-microbial and anti-bacterial properties . “ We ’ re excited to go to market and promote new products that address current industry issues .”
14 NORTHWEST AEROSPACE NEWS