Atmospheric pressure plasma processes

Atmospheric pressure plasma processes are mainly used for the activation and cleaning of surfaces in industrial applications today. The Fraunhofer Institute for Surface Engineering and Thin Films IST develops new customer-oriented processes that make it possible to suitably modify or coat various surfaces, also on 3D substrates. Fields of application include microsystems engineering, medical technology, packaging, the capital goods industry, electronics industry, the automotive sector and aviation & aerospace.

The technology

Cold physical plasmas with high-energy electrons and ions are produced directly from the surrounding atmosphere using strong electrical fields. This creates highly reactive radicals and more stable reactive oxygen and nitrogen species that attack the cell membranes and walls of bacteria and fungi in synergistic association with the free charge carriers.

By using suitable gases and reagents, atmospheric pressure plasmas can also be used for the chemical functionalization of surfaces with reactive groups. The plasmas can also be produced in very low volumes if needed. Known as microplasmas, they can be used for the targeted local modification of surfaces, for example to configure the desired surface energy.

Benefits of cold atmospheric pressure plasmas

Energy and resource-efficient technology
Universal, material and geometry-independent, easy to handle
Straightforward integration into process chains
No change to the base material
No thermal damage to the substrates
Production of effective agents directly during plasma treatment
For use in therapy: promotion of wound healing, without pain and so far free of side effects for the patient
Antibacterial effectiveness regardless of resistance to pharmaceuticals
Targeted local chemical modification of the surface

Applications

Cleaning, pretreatment and surface modification
Coatings through plasma-assisted CVD under atmospheric pressure
Microplasmas, microstructuring, interior coating
Treatment of three-dimensional components
Metallization of plastics
Chemical functionalization of surfaces
Hydrophilic and (super) hydrophobic coatings
Biocompatible coatings
Barrier layers on flexible substrates
Improving adhesion
Anti-reflective films

Systems engineering

Atmospheric pressure plasma systems for cleaning, activation, functionalization and coating
RotoTEC system for the functionalisation or activation of three-dimensional components
SÜSS Bond Aligner with plasma tool for the pre-treatment of silicon wafers in a clean room
Plasma printing systems for the structured treatment of surfaces
Systems for the interior coating of components and disposables, such as bags or bottles