Fraunhofer Institute for Surface Engineering and Thin Films ISTNew collaborative project launched
Biomimetic plasma polymers for the functionalization of paper – BioPlas4Paper
Paper-based construction materials are an integral element of our everyday lives in the form of packaging materials. In order to make paper usable for these and new areas of application, the hydrophobic and antimicrobial properties of the material must be improved. In contrast to the processes currently employed for the modification of paper properties, plasma polymerization is to be used in the production process. This should enable low-molecular compounds of biogenic origin to be deposited on paper surfaces.
As a result of their crosslinking during coating, it will be possible to apply insoluble polymers to complex surfaces with contour accuracy and in pure form. Plant-based constituents represent a diverse and hitherto virtually untapped source of biogenic precursors for plasma coatings.
Through the variable feeding of these monomer precursors into the carrier gas of the plasma coating system, it becomes possible to coat the entire accessible surface of the paper structure (also inline) with functional polymers. By means of specific electrode arrangements, stable and reproducible discharge conditions can be realized directly in the treatment area, which are particularly important prerequisites for coating PECVD processes (plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition).
Project partners:
- Fraunhofer Institute for Surface Engineering and Thin Films IST
- The Technical University of Darmstadt, specialist department: Macromolecular Chemistry and Paper Chemistry
- Johann Heinrich von Thünen Institute, Federal Research Institute for Rural Areas, Forestry and Fisheries
Project duration: 01.05.2021 – 30.04.2024
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