Name: R&D Centre for Low-Cost Plasma and Nanotechnology Surface Modifications
Institution: Masaryk University
Coordinator: prof. RNDr. Mirko Černák, CSc.; cernak@physics.muni.cz
Website
CEPLANT is based on the long-standing tradition of top basic and applied research in the field of thermally-disequilibrium plasma physics, which has already resulted in several industrial applications with eco-friendly and cost-effective solutions for preparing new advanced materials and the surface treatment of traditional materials. Research and development in this area, in collaboration with the community of users of CEPLANT large research infrastructure, will help to address current socio-economic challenges and environmental issues, such as environmental protection and the reduction of the use of chemicals. The uniqueness of CEPLANT lies in the broad focus of its scope. CEPLANT is active at all levels of research, development and innovation – its activities are successful in covering the entire process from basic research, through applied research with business institutions to the transfer of plasma technology for industrial applications. CEPLANT laboratories are equipped with modern scientific instruments which are commercially available, but there are some customized plasma technologies developed to test the different plasma surface treatment conditions of a material according to the user's specifications. The influence of plasma treatment on the properties of a surface material is subsequently being subjected to research in the Physical and Chemical Analysis Laboratory where complete information on the interested surface can be obtained. CEPLANT users are also able to carry out research and modelling of fundamental plasma
processes and their advanced diagnostics at an international level. CEPLANT also participates in the teaching and conducting of bachelor’s, master’s and Ph.D. students and involves them in their research projects. CEPLANT is involved in international networks and associations of research organisations and innovative companies active in the field of plasma technology and cooperates, for example, with INPLAS (Network of Competence Industrial Plasma Surface Technology), CEST (Competence Centre for Electrochemical Surface Technology) and BalticNet-PlasmaTec.
