Surfaces, interfaces and thin films
Coordinator Prof. dr. J.Th.M. De Hosson,
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This technology theme concentrates on the understanding and development of surface modification and surface coatings, on the properties of interfaces in multi-materials, and on the properties and adhesion of thin films. The purpose of deposited coatings on surfaces and the modification of existing surfaces are to increase the hardness, toughness and tribological properties of materials, to improve the adhesion between dissimilar materials and thereby providing a good interface for multilayer materials, but also to improve the look and feel of products.
These research areas serve a large range of applications, e.g. low friction and high temperature resistant coatings for rotating engine parts in trucks and passenger cars. In the highly industrialized countries losses due to friction and wear are put at between 1% and 2% of GNP. In industrialized countries some 30% of all energy generated is ultimately lost through friction. Reducing these losses by applying protective coatings and well tailored surfaces will reduce costs and energy consumption, and increase the lifetime of products with moving parts like machines and engines.
An application on quite a different scale is the adhesion of multilayer thin film systems like that of flexible OLED/ PLED lighting products. Understanding and being able to predict the structural integrity of these multilayer systems are key to production of reliable flexible electronic systems with low cost of ownerships. Other application possibilities of the research in this cluster are coatings for photovoltaic cells, chemically inert coatings for high temperature power turbines, and domestic and personal products which can be provided with esthetic, high quality and long lifetime protective coatings to contribute to a more sustainable use of materials.
Examples of research projects in this technology theme are:
• Design of microstructure for optimum performances of DLC-based nano composite coatings
• Low frictional and wear resistant coatings on rubber seals
• Fatigue of flexible multilayers
• Friction and stick-slip transitions in vacuum and (dry) nitrogen
