OptiPerm – Research on the production of functional films with optimized permeation barrier coatings

Due to their low specific weight, cost-effective production and simple processing, plastic films are used in many branches of industry. In order to adapt the films in their properties even better to the respective applications, modifications of the volume properties or surface coatings occur. For example, packaging films are provided with transparent barrier layers, or printing inks and lacquers are cured with low-energy electrons.

Different technologies (vacuum coatings, wet chemical deposition methods) and partially combinations of these are applied. Current technology combinations for the production of functional films, for example with permeation barrier properties, are based on these individual technologies, whereby they are applied only additive.

Up to now, the coordination of the individual technologies has only been rudimentary in terms of their interaction in technology and application. This results in today's standard multi-layer systems on film substrates which, although they have a moderate permeation barrier, do not adequately meet the application requirements in their optical and other properties and are very cost-intensive.

Within the OptiPerm project, the interaction of the individual technologies is already being investigated on machine level and beyond. For this purpose, the production of optimized permeation barrier layer systems for functional films made from electron beam crosslinked lacquer layers in combination with PVD layers is investigated.

• Research in the field of atmospheric R2R coating and vacuum R2R coating
• Research in the field of target production and target composition for PVD processes
• Research in the field of lacquer synthesis
• Development and construction of an atmosphere-electron beam module
• Application study with regard to holographic film systems and organic electronics applications

With the help of the above-mentioned research and development tasks, we are expanding the scientific understanding and our process engineering competencies in the fields of atmospheric R2R coating and vacuum R2R coating, production of sputtering targets and their composition for PVD processes, lacquer synthesis, and many more.

By this, the Fraunhofer FEP's performance is increased for future R&D tasks in the fields of ​​polymer sciences and optimized coating technologies e.g. for the encapsulation of organic electronics and photovoltaics. Furthermore our technological basis within the institute is expanded.

The project also extends the experimental base for future projects by qualifying selected research lines for vacuum deposition (coFlex^® 600, novoFlex^® 600) and wet chemical coating (atmoFlex 1250). It also enhances our analytical competences for the evaluation of layers and their functionality.

In addition, we would like to support industries in their R&D activities in the fields of production technology by the availability of coating systems on a large scale at our institute.

• Fraunhofer FEP, Dresden
• 3D-Micromac GmbH, Chemnitz
• VON ARDENNE GmbH, Dresden
• GfE Fremat GmbH, Freiberg
• IOT GmbH, Leipzig