Processes

Our processes include various coating processes from the gas phase (plasma processes, PVD, CVD processes) and liquid phase (dipping, doctoring, spraying, spin coating) – from laboratory to pilot scale.

We also develop plasma-based sterilization and cleaning processes as well as UV-C LED treatment processes.

Furthermore, we develop processes for the targeted production of functional particles and the upscaled synthesis of hydrogels.

Process development

 

Coating technologies

Our processes include various coating methods from the gas phase (plasma processes, PVD, CVD processes) and liquid phase (dipping, doctoring, spraying, spin coating) - from laboratory to pilot scale.

 

Water purification with atmospheric plasma

Substances that are difficult to degrade, such as drug residues or pesticides in industrial wastewater, must be removed with oxidizing substances such as ozone and hydrogen peroxide or UV irradiation. The use of plasma processes, which belong to the AOP (advanced oxidation processes), can be an alternative.

 

 

Cleaning and disinfection

UV and plasmas have an inactivating effect on microorganisms and enable the removal of organic contaminants. They can thus be used for the sterilization of surfaces, for disinfection in food production, but also for the removal of difficult-to-degrade compounds in wastewater. In addition, we develop adsorber particles for the selective removal of environmental pollutants or interfering substances.

 

Plasma weathering of surfaces

Product development cycles for polymeric materials such as coatings are complex, expensive and lengthy, primarily due to testing procedures. Plasma-based processes can mimic outdoor weathering. Results show that this can significantly shorten development cycles for coatings.

 

Structuring, printing processes, additive processes

The generative manufacturing of innovative products already plays a major role in research and development on a laboratory scale. For this purpose, Fraunhofer IGB has facilities for upscaling and further development in the field of embossing processes as well as additive processes. The existing process technology is used to target and respond to the latest requirements.

 

Roll-to-roll processes: R2R coating and structuring

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. 

Further technologies

 

Functional particles and particle technologies

Nano- and microparticles with diameters ranging from 50 nanometers to several 100 micrometers are produced at the IGB from organic and inorganic materials. The main areas of research are the design of tailor-made particles as carrier materials for biotechnology and medicine and for the separation (enrichment) of low-concentration valuable substances or interfering/polluting substances.

 

 

Modification of biopolymers

Through chemical modification, we adapt biopolymers such as gelatine, chitosan or inulin to specific requirements. By adding a wide variety of chemical groups, we can change the viscosity, solubility or charge of the biopolymer in a targeted manner.