Periodic Reporting for period 1 - PROTECHT (Providing RObust high TECHnology Tags based on linear carbon nanostructures)
Berichtszeitraum: 2020-03-01 bis 2021-08-31
Since the problem of anticounterfeiting is still widespread, i.e. about 3.3% of global trade corresponds to fake goods, it is evident the need for new and more secure anti-counterfeiting systems. The protype of anticounterfeiting label developed throughout the PROTECHT project is characterized by nanoengineered inks based on polymer nanocomposites comprising innovative carbon nanostructures. The inks are extremely difficult to reproduce and can offer more than a septillion (i.e. 10^24) of different unique optical responses and guarantee a remarkably high security level. The prototype has undergone several physico-chemical tests proving itself suitable for different anticounterfeiting sectors. The team has also validated the readability of the label by a commercial portable optical reader. The results showed an accuracy close to 100% at different conditions of measure at laboratory scale. Moreover, our prototype displays a high degree of personalization adapting the dimensions, shape, material and position in the final product, allowing to satisfy several market needs. During the experimental development of the prototype, a market analysis was carried out identifying potential applications (e.g. ID documents, banknotes, luxury goods) for our technology. Once this anti-fraud label is applied to the object to protect, it cannot be removed without irreparable damage. Our novel anticounterfeiting solution can contribute to increase the security of products and services, thus improving brand awareness, protection of information within the European Union. This will help to prevent negative effects of fake goods on health, work places and in general on the welfare at the European and international level.