Plasma-modified Natural Minerals with Nanoscale Properties, Method for the Production and Use Thereof

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This invention relates to natural minerals that have been modified using plasma treatment to endow them with nanoscale properties. The minerals, sourced from natural geological deposits, are coated with a carbon-containing layer and then functionalized with nitrogen-containing groups using plasma techniques. These plasma-modified nanoparticles exhibit improved surface characteristics, such as enhanced dispersibility and customizable hydrophilicity or hydrophobicity while retaining their internal structure. They can serve as carriers for active substances or trace elements and are intended for use in a variety of industries, including cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and advanced composite materials.

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• Carrier for pharmaceutical active ingredients, enabling controlled drug delivery and release.
• Ingredient in cosmetics for improved performance, texture, or delivery of active ingredients.
• Functional filler in advanced nanocomposite materials to enhance strength, barrier properties, or electrical conductivity.
• Additive in nutraceuticals or animal feed for improved trace element delivery.
• Use in surface coatings or adhesives for enhanced material compatibility and bonding.
• Incorporation in flame retardant resins, paints, inks, or transparencies for advanced material performance.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Utilizes naturally occurring minerals, making the process more cost-effective and environmentally friendly compared to synthetic nanoparticles.
• Improves the compatibility and dispersibility of minerals within various matrices (e.g., polymers, creams), which can enhance the performance and stability of the end product.
• Plasma treatment customizes surface properties (hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity, functional groups), broadening the range of potential applications.
• Retains the structural integrity of mineral nanoparticles, including their useful nanoporosity for loading active agents.
• Reduces microbiological contamination, making the minerals safer for pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.
• Enables precise loading and controlled release of active agents, trace elements, or catalytic substances.

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Patent Abstract

The present invention relates to plasma-treated natural minerals with nanoscale properties, produced from nanoparticles, which minerals are obtained from natural geological deposits. Possible areas of use are cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, or nanocomposite materials. Preferably a low-pressure plasma or an atmospheric pressure plasma is used. The production of the plasma-treated natural minerals occurs by the coating of dry mineral powder in a plasma reactor with a carbon-containing layer and the subsequent deposition of nitrogen-containing functional groups on the surface of the mineral powder.