Fraunhofer Institute for Surface Engineering and Thin Films IST
The Fraunhofer IST at the Göttingen location.
Application Center for Plasma and Photonics
Potentials of “cold” plasma coating technology
“Cold” plasma technology has enormous potential when it comes to the resource-conserving creation of recyclable and future-oriented materials or products. With specific plasma discharges at atmospheric pressure, we are able to robustly equip sensitive raw materials whilst maintaining their recyclability, and to make natural materials usable within the context of a bioeconomic commercial orientation, e.g. for the construction sector. A different, genuine plasma process at the Application Center is vapor phase deposition for the coating of the surfaces of ultrafine particles. Currentgoals here are the realization of battery materials with long-term stability, or optimized lightweight-construction powders for 3D printing.
Transfer of eco-efficient cold plasma coating processes
At the Application Center, we operate and develop an extensive range of “cold” plasma processes. The basis is formed by customized systems with respect to plasma generation, handling of the material to be treated, and the desired objective. Based on a deep understanding of the process combined with creativity and excellent networking with material suppliers, mechanical engineering specialists and research partners from diverse disciplines, we offer our partners and customers R&D services as well as technology transfer in the areas of systems engineering, production and quality assurance.
Our main focuses and expertise
Our core competence lies in plant technology for so-called cold plasma spraying. The process is applied primarily for the metallization of thermally sensitive objects such as thin films. A further focus is directed at the development of products with integrated current conduction as well as sensors.
Nozzle with plasma jet of a system for coating deposition by cold plasma spraying at the Fraunhofer IST at the Application Center of the Fraunhofer IST.
Sample of a copper-coated polymer foil as a weight-reduced power collector for use in lithium-ion batteries. Compared to common copper anode foils, the weight per unit area is reduced by approx. 25 percent.
“Our goal is the transfer of eco-efficient plasma coating processes. These are ingenious, as they can be used not only to modify traditional natural materials to make them robust and re-purposable, but also to electrify high-tech assemblies and equip them with sensors on demand.”
Nils Mainusch M.Sc. / Research associate
Site Göttingen
Application Center for Plasma and Photonics of the
Fraunhofer Institute for Surface Engineering and Thin Films IST
Von-Ossietzky-Straße 100
37085 Göttingen
Phone +49 551 3705-219