ion-mask™: Invisible Technology, Visible Results

A few weeks ago we looked at Aridion™, our technology for electronics and the benefits that it can offer. This week our attention turns to ion-mask™. 

What is ion-mask?

ion-mask™ is our liquid repellent nano-coating technology for Lifestyle products such as footwear and textiles. Invisible to wearers the ion-mask™ protective layer is over one thousand times thinner than a human hair and is bonded to the whole surface on a molecular level making it extremely durable without affecting the look or feel of the product.

Furthermore, ion-mask™ lasts as long as the material itself and is not compromised by everyday wear and tear, it also resists the absorption of liquid and dirt helping to guard against stains, making products look newer for longer. See for yourself in the video below:




What are the benefits of ion-mask™ technology?
 

Protective: 
ion-mask™ gives lifestyle products superior liquid repellency, stopping external water ingress whilst allowing perspiration to escape.

Breathable:
Treated articles keep wearers comfortable and dry. Unlike membrane technologies,    ion-mask™ is not a physical barrier, delivering the full natural airflow of the chosen material.

Durable:
ion-mask™  is physically bonded at a molecular level, so it lasts as long as the material it protects and cannot be seen or felt.

Lightweight: 
Being only nanometers thin, ion-mask™  does not add any additional weight to products. In wet environments, the hydrophobic properties ensure that less water is retained.

Environmental:

ion-mask™  is solvent-free and uses only microscopic quantities of protective monomer, resulting in minimal waste and environmental impact.




ion-mask™  is already available on a range of footwear styles including; Golf, Running, Hiking, Boating and Leisure with brands including Hi-Tec, Timberland, Nike, Adidas, KSwiss, Teva, Mizuno and Van Dal.

Here are some links to videos featuring ion-mask™  technology:

- KSwiss: Kwicky Blade-Light
- Hi-Tec: V-Lite Infinity  / Liquid Mountaineering
- Timberland: What is P2i / Hiking through nature
- Teva: Lucky the penguin and his ion-mask™ boot
- Van Dal
 
You can find out more by visiting the website.  If you have a pair of shoes featuring ion-mask™, then we would love to hear your thoughts. Contact us at marketing@p2i.com

A penguin called Lucky and his special shoe

The internet has been filled with stories in the past week about a penguin from Santa Barbara Zoo who suffers from an impaired foot.

The young Humboldt penguin named Lucky was born with a leg that was not growing properly, causing sores to develop where pressure was put on the wrong parts of his foot. These sores could have turned into a life-threatening condition if a solution was not found.

X-rays showed that Lucky's bones were not broken and while penguins normally walk on their toes, the condition caused him to walk on an unpadded area of his foot. Zoo veterinarians wrapped his foot and padded the ankle area to compensate but it meant that Lucky could not swim as the wrapping would become very wet and heavy.

So the idea for a protective shoe was hatched when Santa Barbara Zoo CEO, Rich Block, recalled that Teva® had developed a special shoe for an elephant with foot issues at San Antonio Zoo. With Teva's headquarters only a few miles away it was worth enquiring to see if they could make a little penguin shoe suitable for Lucky.

With Teva's historic background in developing footwear for water adventures they instantly took on the challenge. Due to the language barrier, several versions were required but Lucky made it easy for Teva® as what worked and what did not. With each new version the boot was adapted until Lucky was happy with the finished product, and here is the result:

The Teva® penguin shoe

Teva's penguin shoe as worn by Lucky

Using different materials the shoe is designed to be lightweight, have superb traction to get out of the water as well as the ability to shed water. To do this, Teva® applied our ion-mask™ technology to Lucky's shoe making it completely hydrophobic enabling him to swim as freely as he likes. The shoes are also changed daily so Lucky always has a fresh pair for the start of each day.

Lucky modeling his new shoe

It really is a great story with a life-saving outcome and you can watch Lucky's story and how Teva® got involved in the video below:



Furthermore, in the fall this year, UK children's book author and illustrator, Sarah Aspinall, is writing all about Lucky in a book with the proceeds from sales being used to support Lucky and the other Humboldt penguins at Santa Barbara zoo.

Sneak peak of the cover

If you would like to know more about Lucky's species, the Humboldt penguins, you can here.

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