The research aims to improve lens resistance to scratching, a problem that lens manufacturers and finished eyewear producers have always sought to resolve.

The problem is the focus of a project in which Padua Chamber of Commerce has invested by allocating a research grant of 8,000 euros to the Longarone-based Institute. In so doing, during the last four-month period of 2011, the Chamber gave Certottica the opportunity to train a researcher in the specific field of product and process innovation.

"At the moment, liquid paints are used for the hardening coatings, but they are very tricky to apply because the thickness must be absolutely uniform and without any defects caused by dirt" explained the Head of Certottica's Research and Innovation area Giuseppe Da Cortà, who added, "vapor processes are able to guarantee both these results".

Da Cortà continued by specifying that "the objective of the current research is to apply PECVD technology to thermoplastic polymer lenses, which will improve their scratch resistance properties. PECVD is a new technology that is capable of modifying surface characteristics without altering the morphology of the material. It is ideal for this application because the quasi-planar geometry of the object to be treated considerably simplifies its industrialization".

Because of the hardware and know-how that Certottica has developed in recent years, the researcher was able to carry out innovative experiments also in collaboration with the company that manufactures the machinery employed.

It is a highly topical subject and "the results of this research", Da Cortà concluded, "will be of unquestionable interest to all SMEs and companies in the lens and eyeglasses sector, not only in the province of Padua but also throughout the Veneto region and Italy in general. We will be able to provide the production system with an invaluable technological platform that will certainly be an incentive for manufacturing industries to apply innovative and eco-friendly treatments".

By supporting this initiative, the Padua Chamber of Commerce has fulfilled its intention of making a tangible contribution to innovation, an essential element for ensuring competitiveness for companies in the eyewear and other sectors.