Sonochemical surface modification a route to lean, green and clean manufacturing?

Traditional surface modification techniques utilize hazardous chemistry, operate at high temperatures and require copious rinsing. Ultrasound has long been a 'bolt on' for such processes with little thought to optimizing its driving force; the process of acoustic cavitation. This paper demonstrates that, by understanding the factors affecting acoustic cavitation and the employment of suitable ultrasonic equipment, sonochemical surface modification can be achieved on a range of substrates in solutions as benign as water, therefore reducing • process stages • rinsing • operating temperatures. Sonochemical surface modification is therefore lean, green and clean and could potentially lead to more sustainable manufacturing.