Coatings and Coating Technologies

Functional surfaces through modification, functionalization and coatings

Functional surfaces provide products and materials from a wide range of technical fields with new properties. Some important properties of materials, e.g. wettability, adhesiveness, biocompatibility, adhesion properties or tribological properties, depend only on the chemistry and topography of its surface. Other important material characteristics such as mechanical properties or processability are determined by the material used. By appropriate surface modifications, it is possible to obtain materials with a new property profile and thus to enable new applications.

We equip surfaces of plastics, ceramics or metals with new properties by applying thin layers or generating defined functions on its surfaces and develop functional coatings with e.g. non-stick and antimicrobial properties, barrier coatings, biocompatible and bioactive surfaces and functional sensor coatings.

Wide range of surface modificiation and coating technologies

For this, we use variousgas phase processes (plasma, PVD, CVD processes), wet-chemical processes (dipping, blade coating, spraying, spin coating) and combined processes – from laboratory to pilot scale.

Offer from process to sample coating

For all coatings we offer the development of a complete process – from the coating, process development and scaling up to the sample coating. We will be pleased to make you an individual offer.

Spectrum of services

  • Development of coatings and surface functionalizations on customer-specific materials and geometries
  • Analysis of coatings and surfaces

Further information

Surface, particle and (bio)polymer analysis

Information materials

 

Brochure “Plasma technology - Key technology for the production of functional surfaces”

 

Product sheet “Sensitive and selective coatings for gas sensors”

 

Product sheet “Plasma finishing of fibers and textiles”

 

Product sheet “Anti-ice coatings”

 

Product sheet “Ice-free winter sports and outdoor equipment”

Scientific publications

Jahr
Year
Titel/Autor:in
Title/Author
Publikationstyp
Publication Type
2010 Verfahren zur chemischen Tonerfixierung
Hirth, T.; Weber, Achim; Speyerer, C.; Borchers, Kirsten; Tovar, G.
Patent
2010 Dry native protein assays on nitrocellulose coated glass substrates by non-contact laser-induced-forward transfer process
Genov, S.; Thurow, I.; Riester, D.; Borchers, K.; Tovar, G.; Hirth, Thomas; Weber, A.
Poster
2010 Geprägte Polymernanopartikel zur molekularen Wiedererkennung von Wirkstoffen
Schreiber, T.; Riegler, J.; Gruber-Traub, C.; Hirth, Thomas; Tovar, G.
Poster
2010 Ink formulation for the inkjet printing of functional core-shell nanoparticles for automated preparation of multi feature biofunctional surfaces
Weber, A.; Borchers, K.; Plankalayil, Jolafin; Hirth, Thomas; Tovar, G.
Vortrag
Presentation
2010 Nanopartikel-Enzym-Konjugate für die Entwicklung von Biosensoren
Pufky-Heinrich, D.; Weber, A.
Zeitschriftenaufsatz
Journal Article
2009 In vitro study of mouse fibroblast tumor cells with TNF coated and Alexa488 marked silica nanoparticles with an endoscopic device for real time cancer visualization
Herz, Marion; Rank, Andreas; Tovar, Günter E.M.; Hirth, Thomas; Kaltenbacher, Dominik; Stallkamp, Jan; Weber, Achim
Konferenzbeitrag
Conference Paper
2009 Vorrichtung und Verfahren zur Oberflaechenbehandlung partikulaerer und pulverfoermiger Substrate im Fliessbett
Zschörper, N.P.; Barz, J.; Vohrer, U.; Oehr, C.
Patent
2009 Ink-jet printing of proteins and functional nanoparticles for automated functionalization of surfaces
Knaupp, Markus; Grzesiak, Andrzej; Weber, Achim; Hirth, Thomas; Tovar, Günter E.M.; Borchers, Kirsten
Konferenzbeitrag
Conference Paper
2009 Chemical and gas-phase kinetics in a CHF3 + Ar discharge
Barz, Jakob Philipp; Lunk, A.; Oehr, Christian
Konferenzbeitrag
Conference Paper
2009 Water treatment by molecularly imprinted polymer nanoparticles
Schreiber, T.; Weber, Achim; Niedergall, Klaus; Hirth, Thomas; Tovar, Günter; Riegler, Jürgen; Bryniok, Dieter
Konferenzbeitrag
Conference Paper
2009 Biomimetic nanoparticles providing molecularly defined binding sites - protein-featuring structures versus molecularly imprinted polymers
Borchers, K.; Genov, S.; Gruber-Traub, C.; Niedergall, K.; Plankalayil, J.; Pufky-Heinrich, D.; Riegler, J.; Schreiber, T.; Tovar, G.E.M.; Weber, A.; Wojciukiewicz, D.
Aufsatz in Buch
Book Article
2009 C-VIS: Interoperative Tumorerkennung mit Hilfe von Nanopartikeln
Weber, Achim; Herz, Marion; Hirth, Thomas; Tovar, Günter E.M.; Stallkamp, Jan; Kaltenbacher, Dominik
Zeitschriftenaufsatz
Journal Article
2008 Molekular geprägte Polymere
Borchers, K.; Gruber-Traub, C.; Dettling, M.; Heubach, D.; Hirth, Thomas; Tovar, G.E.M.
Aufsatz in Buch
Book Article
2008 Untersuchungen der Miniemulsionspolymerisation von EGDA-co-MAA und Ermittlung der Prozessparameter
Pfeiffer, D.; Weber, A.; Hirth, Thomas; Tovar, G.E.M.
Zeitschriftenaufsatz
Journal Article
2008 Highly integrated polymer-based technology platform for in-vitro diagnostics
Otto, Thomas; Nestler, Jörg; Morschhauser, Andreas; Schüller, Martin; Geßner, T.; Krissler, Jan; Ebling, Frank; Wegener, Michael; Grzesiak, Andrzej; Burgard, Matthias; Brandenburg, Albrecht; Sulz, Gerd; Nebling, Eric; Hintsche, Rainer; Wirth, Ingo; Godlinski, Dirk; Tovar, Günter E.M.; Weber, Achim; Ehrentreich-Förster, Eva; Gajovic-Eichelmann, Nenad; Bier, Frank F.
Konferenzbeitrag
Conference Paper
2008 Biofunctional core-shell nanoparticle deposition for biochip creation by printing processes
Plankalayil, Jolafin; Genov, Sandra; Borchers, Kirsten; Grzesiak, Andrzej; Hirth, Thomas; Weber, Achim; Tovar, Günter E.M.
Konferenzbeitrag
Conference Paper
2008 Verbesserte dreidimensionale biokompatible Gerüststruktur, die Nanopartikel beinhaltet
Brunner, H.; Mertsching, H.; Schweizer, P.; Weimer, M.; Weber, Achim; Tovar, G.; Borchers, Kirsten
Patent
2008 Untersuchung der Miniemulsionspolymerisation von EGDMA-co-MAA und Ermittlung der Prozessparameter
Pfeiffer, Daniel; Weber, Achim; Hirth, Thomas; Tovar, Günter
Konferenzbeitrag
Conference Paper
2008 Creation and recombination of free radicals in fluorocarbon plasma polymers
Haupt, Michael; Barz, J.; Oehr, Christian
Zeitschriftenaufsatz
Journal Article
2008 Parylenbeschichtung polymerer Werkstoffe
Barz, J.; Elkin, B.; Müller, Michael; Oehr, Christian
Aufsatz in Buch
Book Article
2007 Verfahren zur Gewinnung von Fettbegleitstoffen aus Kraftstoffen und Verwendung dieses Verfahrens
Heil, V.; Greve, A.; Weber, Achim; Tovar, G.; Herold, M.
Patent
2007 Functional core-shell nanoparticles for biochemical sensors
Weber, A.; Borchers, K.; Brunner, H.; Tovar, G.
Konferenzbeitrag
Conference Paper
2007 Verbesserte Mikrogele und Filme
Tovar, G.; Vaihinger, D.; Kraeuter, I.; Weber, Achim; Brunner, H.
Patent
2007 Innovative microchip surfaces for fluorescence spectroscopy and affinity-MALDI mass spectrometry in proteomics
Schmucker, J.; Borchers, K.; Weber, A.; Brunner, H.; Tovar, G.E.M.
Konferenzbeitrag
Conference Paper
2007 Verfahren zum Herstellen funktioneller Oberflaechenbereiche auf einem Flaechensubstrat
Weber, Achim; Tovar, G.; Borchers, Kirsten; Güttler, S.; Grzesiak, A.
Patent
2007 Analytical assessment and functionalization of carbon nanotubes and bucky papers
Vohrer, Uwe; Zschörper, N.P.; Katzenmaier, V.; Barz, J.; Oehr, C.
Konferenzbeitrag
Conference Paper
2006 Fluorocarbon nano coatings for specific surface functionalization
Haupt, Michael; Barz, J.; Vohrer, Uwe; Hilgers, H.; Oehr, Christian
Zeitschriftenaufsatz
Journal Article
2006 Nanoparticle-based diagnostic 3D-protein-biochip for Candida albicans
Borchers, K.; Hiller, E.; Urban, Constantin; Weber, A.; Rupp, S.; Tovar, G.E.M.
Konferenzbeitrag
Conference Paper
2006 Niederdruckplasmaprozesse zur gezielten Funktionalisierung von Grenz- und Oberflächen
Haupt, Michael; Barz, J.; Vohrer, Uwe; Oehr, Christian
Aufsatz in Buch
Book Article
2006 POLY 483-Kinetic and thermodynamic behavior of recognition processes employing nano-spherical L-boc-phenylalanine anilide molecularly imprinted poly(MAA-co-EGDMA) monoliths
Sezgin, S.; Weber, A.; Herold, M.; Gruber-Traub, C.; Brunner, H.; Tovar, G.E.M.
Konferenzbeitrag
Conference Paper
2006 POLY 474-A detailed investigation of the co-polymerization kinetics and particle formation of nanoscopical poly(EGDMA-co-MAA) by miniemulsion polymerization
Herold, M.; Muller, E.; Dettling, M.; Weber, A.; Brunner, H.; Tovar, G.E.M.
Konferenzbeitrag
Conference Paper
2006 NANOCYTES®-based protein-biochip. Mass-sensing device for diagnostic purposes
Borchers, K.; Hiller, E.; Weber, A.; Rupp, S.; Tovar, G.E.M.
Konferenzbeitrag
Conference Paper
2006 POLY 677-NANOCYTES (TM): Inverse miniemulsion polymerization technology for specific protein recognition
Gruber-Traub, C.; Weber, A.; Dettling, M.; Herz, Marion; Herold, M.; Brunner, H.; Tovar, G.E.M.
Konferenzbeitrag
Conference Paper
2006 Influence of fluorocarbon plasma polymer films on the growth of primary human fibroblasts
Barz, J.; Haupt, Michael; Pusch, K.; Weimer, M.; Oehr, Christian
Zeitschriftenaufsatz
Journal Article
2006 Dreidimensionale nano- und mikrostrukturierte Traeger
Tovar, G.; Weber, Achim; Brunner, H.; Borchers, Kirsten
Patent
2006 Biomimetic nanoparticles - concept, design and applications in biotechnology and biomedicine
Weber, A.; Gruber-Traub, C.; Herold, M.; Borchers, K.; Tovar, G.E.M.
Zeitschriftenaufsatz
Journal Article
2005 ToF-SIMS characterisation of ultra-thin fluorinated carbon plasma polymer films
Gradowski, M. von; Jacoby, B.; Hilgers, H.; Barz, J.; Wahl, M.; Kopnarski, M.
Konferenzbeitrag
Conference Paper
2005 Functional core-shell nanoparticles and applications in protein-bio-chip technology
Weber, A.; Borchers, K.; Tovar, G.E.M.; Brunner, H.
Konferenzbeitrag
Conference Paper
2005 Adhesion between fillers and matrices in composite materials
Mikonsaari, Irma; Hübner, Christof; Walitza, Eckehard; Gerber, Peter; Chaumette, Christiane; Müller, Michaela
Konferenzbeitrag
Conference Paper
2005 Moorganically modified core-shell nanoparticles for cell signalling
Weber, A.; Scheurich, P.; Pflzenmaier, K.; Schiestel, Thomas; Brunner, H.; Tovar, G.E.M.
Konferenzbeitrag
Conference Paper
2005 Fluor-Kohlenstoff-Nanoschichten zur gezielten Oberflächenfunktionalisierung
Haupt, Michael; Barz, J.; Vohrer, Uwe; Hilgers, H.; Oehr, Christian
Zeitschriftenaufsatz
Journal Article
2005 Nanotechnologische Werkzeuge für die Biotechnologie
Gruber-Traub, C.; Lehmann, M.; Tovar, G.E.M.; Brunner, H.
Zeitschriftenaufsatz
Journal Article
2005 Molecular recognition by imprinted polymer nanospheres: Fundamental research and applications
Herold, M.; Tovar, G.E.M.; Gruber, C.; Dettling, M.; Sezgin, S.; Brunner, H.
Konferenzbeitrag
Conference Paper
2005 Ultrathin carbon-fluorine film processing
Barz, J.; Haupt, Michael; Vohrer, Uwe; Hilgers, H.; Oehr, C.
Konferenzbeitrag
Conference Paper
2005 Ultrathin carbon-fluorine films
Barz, J.; Haupt, Michael; Hilgers, H.; Oehr, C.
Konferenzbeitrag
Conference Paper
2005 Protein-microarray constituted from streptavidin-coated nanoparticles deposited via poly(electrolyte) multilayers for analysis of biotinylated ligands by MALDI mass spectrometry and fluorescence imaging
Weber, A.; Borchers, K.; Schmucker, J.; Brunner, H.; Tovar, G.E.M.
Zeitschriftenaufsatz
Journal Article
2005 Microstructured layers of spherical biofunctional core-shell nanoparticles provide enlarged reactive surfaces for protein microarrays
Borchers, K.; Weber, A.; Brunner, H.; Tovar, G.E.M.
Zeitschriftenaufsatz
Journal Article
2004 Bio-microarrays based on functional nanoparticles
Tovar, G.E.M.; Weber, A.
Aufsatz in Buch
Book Article
2004 Bioconjugative polymer nanospheres studied by isothermal titration calorimetry
Weber, A.; Herold, M.; Brunner, H.; Tovar, G.E.M.
Zeitschriftenaufsatz
Journal Article
2004 Modular structure of biochips based on microstructured deposition of functional nanoparticles
Weber, A.; Knecht, S.; Brunner, H.; Tovar, G.E.M.
Zeitschriftenaufsatz
Journal Article
2003 Oxygen diffusion in alkyl-substituted titaniumoxo phthalocyanine films
Lüer, L.; Egelhaaf, H.-J.; Oelkrug, D.; Winter, G.; Hanack, M.; Weber, A.; Bertagnolli, H.
Konferenzbeitrag
Conference Paper
2003 Verbesserte strukturiert-funktionale Bindematrices fuer Biomolekuele
Weber, Achim; Schiestel, Thomas; Tovar, G.; Brunner, H.
Patent
2003 Nanopartikel-Biochips zur Untersuchung von C. albicans
Hauser, N.C.; Weber, A.; Tovar, G.; Rupp, S.
Zeitschriftenaufsatz
Journal Article
2003 Investigation of the crystallisation behaviour of lead titanate (PT), lead zirconate (PZ) and lead zirconate titanate (PZT) by EXAFS-spectroscopy and x-ray diffraction
Feth, M.P.; Weber, A.; Merkle, R.; Reinöhl, U.; Bertagnolli, H.
Zeitschriftenaufsatz
Journal Article
2003 Modularer Aufbau von Biochips durch mikrostrukturierte Abscheidung von funktionellen Nanopartikeln
Weber, A.; Knecht, S.; Brunner, H.; Tovar, G.E.M.
Zeitschriftenaufsatz
Journal Article
2002 Molecularly imprinted nanospheres as synthetic affinity material for biotechnical application
Tovar, G.E.M.; Kräuter, I.; Weber, A.; Dettling, M.; Brunner, H.
Konferenzbeitrag
Conference Paper
2002 Bioactive microarrays by microstructured deposition of functional nanoparticles
Tovar, G.E.M.; Weber, A.; Schiestel, Thomas; Knecht, S.; Steitz, B.; Brunner, H.
Konferenzbeitrag
Conference Paper
2002 EXAFS and X-ray diffraction studies on sol-gel prepared zirconium titanium oxides
Feth, M.P.; Weber, A.; Merkle, R.; Reinohl, U.; Bertagnolli, H.
Zeitschriftenaufsatz
Journal Article
2002 Isothermal titration calorimetry of molecularly imprinted polymer nanospheres
Weber, A.; Dettling, M.; Brunner, H.; Tovar, G.E.M.
Zeitschriftenaufsatz
Journal Article
2002 Bioaktive Mikroarrays durch mikrostrukturierte Anlagerung von funktionellen Nanopartikeln
Weber, A.; Knecht, S.; Schiestel, Thomas; Brunner, H.; Tovar, G.E.M.
Konferenzbeitrag
Conference Paper
2001 Structural investigations of oligomeric axially bridged ruthenium phthalocyanines by EXAFS spectroscopy
Weber, A.; Ertel, T.S.; Reinöhl, U.; Bertagnolli, H.; Leuze, M.; Hanack, M.
Zeitschriftenaufsatz
Journal Article
2001 Extended X-ray absorption fine structure analysis of the bipyridine copper complexes in atom transfer radical polymerization
Kickelbick, G.; Reinöhl, U.; Ertel, T.S.; Weber, A.; Bertagnolli, H.; Matyjaszewski, K.
Zeitschriftenaufsatz
Journal Article
2000 Synthesis, characterisation and catalytic application of sol-gel processed cationic palladium(II) complexes
Lindner, E.; Baumann, A.; Wegner, P.; Mayer, H.A.; Reinöhl, U.; Weber, A.; Ertel, T.S.; Bertagnolli, H.
Zeitschriftenaufsatz
Journal Article
2000 Structural investigations of tetra- and octasubstituted (phthalocyanine)ruthenium complexes by EXAFS spectroscopy
Weber, A.; Ertel, T.S.; Reinöhl, U.; Bertagnolli, H.; Leuze, M.; Hees, M.; Hanack, M.
Zeitschriftenaufsatz
Journal Article
2000 Supported organometallic complexes. Part XX. Hydroformylation of olefins with rhodium(I) hybrid catalysts
Lindner, E.; Auer, F.; Baumann, A.; Wegner, P.; Mayer, H.A.; Bertagnolli, H.; Reinöhl, U.; Ertel, T.S.; Weber, A.
Zeitschriftenaufsatz
Journal Article
1999 Vorrichtung zur Messung der Oberflaechenspannung von Fluessigkeiten
Janocha, B.; Renzow, D.; Mueller, Michaela
Patent
1990 NADH-dependent mannitol dehydrogenase. Screening, isolation, kinetic parameters and behaviour in an enzyme membrane reactor
Schmidt, K.; Stolz, P.; Lutz, S.; Weber, A.; Wiesner, W.
Konferenzbeitrag
Conference Paper
Diese Liste ist ein Auszug aus der Publikationsplattform Fraunhofer-Publica

This list has been generated from the publication platform Fraunhofer-Publica
 

Anti-ice coatings

Plasma coatings, embossed or printed structures can be used to protect surfaces against ice formation. Examples of applications include aircraft wings or wind turbine rotor blades protected against icing. The IGB has also developed an easy-to-use self-adhesive anti-icing film.

 

Hydrophobic finish with biobased chitosan

At Fraunhofer IGB, we have developed chitosan-based water-repellent finishes that could replace PFAS finishes in the leisure textiles sector in the future. The technology has already been implemented on a larger scale and the coatings are also transferable to other materials, e.g. cardboard and paper.

 

Anti-fogging

Functional anti-fogging coatings using low-pressure plasma processes can be used to prevent a disturbing visual impression caused by condensation of water droplets. The deposition can be done on flat substrates as well as on 3D parts.

 

Barrier layers

At Fraunhofer IGB, we produce barrier layers that enhance the barrier effect of the plastic polyethylene terephthalate (PET) against water vapor and oxygen by a factor of more than 1000 compared to the untreated material.

 

Dehesive layers for improved removal of residual contents from packaging systems

In most cases, fluid products such as food or personal care products cannot be completely removed from their packaging. At Fraunhofer IGB, we develop surface modifications for packaging materials that reduce the adhesion of filling goods.

 

Wettability of biomaterials: Hydrophilization of hard contact lenses

The surface of contact lenses can be modified in order to achieve improved comfort and an almost closed film of lachrymal fluid can form. At the same time the formation of protein-containing deposits is reduced. The procedure can be transferred to all polymer surfaces requiring good wettability which come into contact with body fluids, such as stents and catheters.

 

Antimicrobial coatings

To prevent biofilm formation, we are investigating the effect of naturally occurring antimicrobially active compounds such as plant extracts, cationic peptides and enzymes. We develop coating systems for long-term and targeted release and, especially in the case of biomolecules, for preserving their function over a longer period of time.

 

 

Biologization of surfaces for improved cell adhesion

The colonization of surfaces with biological cells is important in cell culture technology or for the ingrowth of prosthetic implants. We develop strategies for the biologization of surfaces and modify biopolymers such as heparin, gelatine, hyaluronic acid so that they bind covalently or adsorptively to plastic or metal surfaces.

Another topic is to avoid uncontrolled protein adsorption.

 

Improved wound healing

We develop surface modifications or formulations to positively influence wound healing after skin injuries. By binding amino groups, surfaces are modified in such a way that primary human skin cells adhere and grow better. In addition, particle-based formulations can help to release active ingredients in wound dressings.

 

Improved adhesion properties

The adhesion between the substrate and an overlying layer plays a decisive role in bonding, printing and coatings such as painting and metallization. Several factors influence the adhesion properties and minimal surface contamination can drastically reduce adhesion values. In order to achieve good adhesion performance, the pre-treatment of surfaces using plasma technology proved to be an alternative to conventional procedures.

 

Parylene coatings

We achieve friction-reducing and chemical-resistant finishes with parylene coatings. Poly(para-xylylene), or parylene for short, is produced in a vacuum using a CVD process. Parylene can be used to coat a wide variety of substrate materials: from metals, plastics and elastomers to plants, insects and archaeological artifacts. As the process is characterized by excellent gap mobility, porous substrates such as paper and membranes can also be coated.



 

PFAS substitution via new materials and coatings

With our expertise in polymers, surfaces and coating technologies, we offer customers solutions that can be implemented quickly for the substitution of PFAS. Examples include hydrophobic finishes with non-stick plasma polymers as well as friction-reducing and chemical-resistant finishes (parylene, hydrocarbon/silicon organic-based plasma coatings).

 

Hydrophobic finish with biobased chitosan

At Fraunhofer IGB, we have developed chitosan-based water-repellent finishes that could replace PFAS finishes in the leisure textiles sector in the future. The technology has already been implemented on a larger scale and the coatings are also transferable to other materials, e.g. cardboard and paper.

 

Plasma finishing of foils and textiles

The application areas of films for packaging or surface protection bring with them a great need for customized surface finishes. These include coatings with gas permeation barriers, but also the chemical finishing of surfaces to adjust wetting properties or bondability.

 

Coatings for gas /
liquids sensors

We develop selective coatings for gas sensors to selectively detect different gases and substances:

  • Environmental gases (NOx, SO2)
  • Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
  • Other difficult to measure molecules

 

 

Coatings for biosensors and arrays

We functionalize the surface of biosensors for the detection of biological components:

  • Biochips / microarrays
  • Immustick
  • RiFS

Technologies for modification and coating of surfaces

At Fraunhofer IGB, we use a wide range of different methods for modifying and coating surfaces. Our processes include various coating methods from the gas phase (plasma processes, PVD, CVD processes) and liquid phase (dipping, blade coating, spraying, spin coating) – from laboratory to pilot scale.

 

Process and plant development

The many issues for which coating processes are developed at Fraunhofer IGB are not limited to small laboratory systems. Thanks to the good instrumental equipment, scaling concepts such as continuous treatment of fiber and roll goods can also be implemented.

Our coating technologies

Equipment

  • Diverse PECVD plants
  • Parylene coating plant
  • Magnetron sputtering system
  • Dip coater
  • Spin coater
  • Devices for spray coating
  • Polymer and particle analysis methods
  • Surface analytics

Wet-chemical processes

Wet-chemical processes are based on the fact that the molecules used for coating are applied from a liquid solvent.

At Fraunhofer IGB, we use processes such as dipping, doctoring, spraying and spin-coating for coating from the liquid phase.

Processes from the gas phase: PVD, CVD, PECVD

Activation of material surfaces

We activate materials that do not provide functional groups as attack points using various gas phase processes, thereby introducing specific functional groups.

Deposition of thin layers

Gas phase processes can be used to deposit thin layers (monolayers up to several hundred nanometers thick) on surfaces without changing the volume properties of the base material.

The physical and chemical properties of the surfaces, such as surface tension, roughness, dynamic wetting behavior, or adhesion properties with proteins or cells, can be adjusted by changing the process parameters.

This allows amino or carboxyl functions to be generated on surfaces in a targeted manner, which, for example, directly influence the interaction with cells or are used for wet chemical functionalization with biomolecules.

Plasma processes also produce thin, swellable release layers that can release active substances (e.g., antibiotics on implants).

Focus area plasma technology

Stent coating in plasma.
Stent coating in plasma.

Plasma technology represents a focal point of our coating processes from the gas phase.  Plasma processing is nowadays one of the most important tools in thin film and surface treatment technologies, and thus plays a key role in manufacturing of many innovative products. The used plasmas are low temperature, low-to-medium pressure ones, enabling a gentle and controlled surface processing.

Versatile plasma technology

This way we are able to etch surfaces, e.g. to clean them, or to graft new chemical functionalities onto the surface. It is also possible to polymerize a thin film onto the surface, providing such functions as as scratch-resistance, dirt-repellency, or corrosion protection. By controlling the gas composition, power and other process parameters, a broad spectrum of chemical, physical and biological surface modifications is attainable.

Thanks to their effects, we have also developed effective processes for the plasma treatment of water with micropollutants and for the cleaning and disinfection of surfaces and even for the preservation of cultural assets.

PVD – Physical vapor deposition

PVD stands for a range of methods for thin film deposition. Atoms or molecules of the material to be deposited are transferred to the substrate via a vacuum without chemical transformation.

CVD – Chemical vapor deposition

Here we have developed a CVD process for parylene coating. Coatings from a few 100 nm to a few 10 µm can be produced. 

 

PECVD – Plasma-enhanced CVD

One focus at IGB is plasma technology, which we use for etching, activating, functionalizing, and coating surfaces.

Services

  • Development of coatings and surface functionalizations on custom materials and geometries
  • Analysis of coatings and surfaces

Roll-to-roll processes: R2R coating and structuring

roll-to-roll coating
© Fraunhofer IGB
Roll-to-roll coating of films.

For coating and surface functionalization of web materials such as foils and textiles, at Fraunhofer IGB we use plasma, wet-chemical and combined processes. Applying our V340-GKM system from PINK GmbH Thermosysteme, for example, we carry out R2R sample coatings with up to 430 mm external width on behalf of our customers.

Furthermore, the R2R coating of e.g. foils can be combined with additional structuring via hot embossing processes. We would be pleased to discuss with you on site how we can also realize your desired coating.

Our focus

  • Barrier coatings (oxygen, water vapor, oil barrier)
  • Protective coatings (hydro-/oleophobic, anti-fog, dirt-repellent, anti-corrosive, scratch-resistant)
  •  Self-adhesive anti-ice film

Process development

For R2R coating of web material, we use plasma, wet-chemical and combined processes. With our V340-GKM system from PINK GmbH Thermosysteme, for example, we carry out R2R sample coatings with an outer width of up to 430 mm on behalf of customers.

 

 

Furthermore, the R2R coating of e.g. foils can be combined with additional R2R structuring via hot embossing.