Antimicrobial surfaces for aircraft cabins

Abstract

Unlimited, international air traffic were one decisive cause why the Corona virus was able to spread so quick over the whole world. As result air traffic decreased 2020 by 75% (in Germany). To reduce the spread of disease through air transport the DLR-projects germfree flying and FIONA are focused on the development of germ-free cabin surfaces. Anti-microbial metal particles such as zinc, copper, silver as well as materials based on biological sources such as carbon and chitosan are used. The metals donate ions and therefore have germ-killing effects. Carbon and chitosan also feature anti-microbial properties but the driving mechanisms are still under research. However, all materials are available as powders, which can be either be incorporated into epoxy resins as part of a laminate lay-up, or in thermoplastics to be 3D printed. Alternatively, nano-scopic films of these materials can be coated on the surfaces to reduce mass, costs and improve efficiency. To test the anti-microbial effect of the developed surfaces intensive contact killing tests are carried out. The results are integrated into a virtual cabin model with live contamination status of each seat for a effective clean up. The aim of these projects is to find a highly effective, cheap, lightweight and durable material combination which can easily be applied on surfaces as a retrofit to reduce effectively the risk of contact infection within an aircraft cabin.