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Research focus on textured non-stick coatings

BMBF research project on hierarchically structured coatings, research ID 01RB0704A

Rhenotherm once again engages in a publicly-sponsored research project: The funding measure BIONA (bionic innovations for sustainable products and technologies) is aimed at supporting applied research in industry and institutions and offers special support for applications in the area of bionics (see pt-uf.pt-dlr.de/de/130.php at the DLR (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt) [German Aerospace Center] in Bonn).

Within the three-year project run time (12/2007 – 11/2010), research results of the nanobiotechnology project (see below) will be used as a basis for further studies on the development and optimization of permanent micro- and nanostructures on metals, esp. steel, and their advancement toward series-production readiness. In cooperation with two partners from Dresden (Institute of Botany at the TU Dresden, Chair for Botany, and Nehlsen-BWB Flugzeuggalvanik Dresden GmbH), Rhenotherm will contribute to the development of various technically-optimized, non-stick coatings made of PTFE, FEP, PFA or Silicone that are based on biological surface structure principles for reducing the area of contact.

BMBF research project on nanobiotechnology, former research ID 13N8673-76

As early as 2004, Rhenotherm brought its expertise in the areas of surface texturing and functional coating to a joint research project (http://www.nanobio.de).  Led by Professor Dr. Neinhuis of the TU Dresden, the project aimed at achieving a coating of only 4 nm thickness with good non-adhesive characteristics on heavily textured substrates (metals etc.) by using the biological coating material tetraether lipid (TEL).
    The final evaluation of the test results is pending, yet we realized that in spite of a very good starting performance, the TEL could not keep up its non-adhesive and hydrophobic characteristics over a prolonged period of time on the tested surfaces. This problem could not be explained or corrected by the end of the project.
    The promising findings regarding the texture of metal substrates are now being explored further in the BIONA project and are being utilized as basis for coating materials made of fluoropolymers and silicone.
    

Research topic food and health

Research project backed by AiF (Arbeitsgemeinschaft industrieller Forschungsvereinigungen) [German Federation of Industrial Research Associations] on alternative surface systems and biomonitoring, research ID 14745BR
    
As an advising member and supplier of coating systems, Rhenotherm is participating in a project on the sealing of filling and packing machines in the food industry,  led by the Fraunhofer AVV (Anwendungszentrum für Verarbeitungsmaschinen) [Applications Center for Processing Machinery and Packaging Technology] in Dresden and backed by the IVLV (Industrievereinigung für Lebensmitteltechnologie und Verpackung) [Industrial Organization for Food Technology and Packaging]. The target goal is a noticeably reduced soiling tendency, easier cleanability and consequently a much more efficient cleaning effort.

The research project was extended in 2008 in order to conduct further studies concerning the wettability and the soiling tendency of fluoropolymer and sol-gel coatings.
    
AiF research project on primer systems, research ID KU0417601GZ6

Rhenotherm and its project partner, the Portuguese company Flupol LDA, are researching a replacement for primer systems containing chromium(VI) in an effort to contribute to the environmentalism movement. During the two-year project, which started in November of 2006, we achieved promising results that have allowed Rhenotherm to limit its use of primers containing chromium(VI) to rare instances.