Surface treatment
The SAM department undertakes research projects in materials science that can range from short-term development to major projects that can extend over several years. In this context, SAM cooperates with universities and international research centres.
The surface treatment research unit of the SAM department is mainly oriented towards research and development concerning new surface functionalisations and designing of new materials in thin layers. For this, the research unit has a platform with various plasma reactors at atmospheric pressure, and vacuum-deposition techniques.
SAM has developed various skills within the scope of the TRASU project:
- in the use of plasmas for treating surfaces and depositing thin layers
- in the characterisation of plasmas. The research was carried out in partnership with other European laboratories
- in the chemical analysis of thin films by ion and electron spectrometry
- in the structural characterisation of materials deposited in thin films by electron microscopy (SEM, TEM) and by electron and X-ray diffraction.
The research team also actively participates in the transfer of knowledge and new technologies to industry, through partnerships with industrial companies and participation in national and international projects.
Research subjects
- Surface modification by plasma
- Plasma polymerisation by electrical discharge at atmospheric pressure
- Formulation of new coatings by deposition under vacuum
- Production of "smart" materials in thin layers
- Plasma technology for the production of line production of thin layers (flat products; filament), discontinuously on components and at high volume (micrometric and nanometric powders).
Applications
- Cleaning, decontamination and activation of surfaces of metallic materials, elastomers, ceramics and polymers
- Environmentally-respectful surface conversion
- Improvement of adhesion (glue; varnish; ink; etc.)
- Surface modification (super-hydrophilic, water repellence, bio-compatible; antibacterial; etc.)
- Diffusion barriers for various chemical elements
- Anti-corrosion coatings
- Protective coatings against aggressive environments (gas; liquid; etc.)
- Coatings resistant to high temperatures
- Mechanical coatings (anti-wear; anti-friction; etc.)
- Catalytic coatings
- Decorative coatings
- "Intelligent" coatings with adaptative properties that vary according to outside conditions
- Functionalisation of powders.
Contact
Dr Patrick Choquet
E-mail : choquet@lippmann.lu
Phone : (+352) 47 02 61 - 560
Fax : (+352) 47 02 64