Coatings & Surface Modifications

Many properties of a substrate are significantly influenced by its surface chemistry and topography.
Coatings or chemical and physical surface modifications can be used to tailor the surface properties to the desired application.

Examples of surface properties that can be adjusted:

• hydrophobicity, oleophobicity
• non-adhesive effect, easy-to-clean surfaces
• reduction of ice formation and ice adhesion on surfaces
• friction reduction and wear protection
• optical functional layers (e.g., anti-reflective, transmission, or polarization coatings)
• UV and corrosion protection
• photocatalytic activity
• barrier effect
• controlled drug release
• antimicrobial protection/antifouling
• biofunctionalization (immobilization of biocomponents and microorganisms)

The sol-gel process, in particular, offers numerous advantages and possibilities for finishing different materials and surfaces. Technological implementation, e.g. by dipping, spraying or roller coating, is in most cases simple and cost-effective. Even complex geometric shapes can be coated using the sol-gel process.

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We are here to help:

The production of thin films and specifically modified surfaces is a core competence of the GMBU Functional Coatings Section. Our institute has a wide range of technologies for the production of coatings and surface treatment: From surface pre-treatment for successful coating application (plasma activation and functionalisation) to analysis and verification of the efficiency and effectiveness of the coatings produced.

Expertise:

• sol-gel process
• development of coating solutions based on substrate and requirement profile for targeted surface modification
• coating and encapsulation processes for prototypes and small series
• analysis & coating characterisation / verification of the efficiency and effectiveness of the coatings produced

Coating & encapsulation processes:

• dip coating
• spray coating
• vacuum impregnation of porous solids
• continuous coating of flexible substrates such as paper, films, and textiles (maximum width 25 cm)
• spray drying
• thermal treatment/tempering (temperatures up to 1000°C)
• corona/microwave plasma activation of surfaces

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ANSPRECHPARTNER:
Dr. Helfried Haufe
Fachsektion Dresden – “Funktionelle Schichten”
Tel.: 0351 / 2695 344
E-Mail: dresden@gmbu.de