Fabrication of Large Area Two and Three-Level Multiscale Structures with Multi-Functional Surface Properties using laser fabrication methods

• Applicant: Professor Dr.-Ing. Andrés Fabián Lasagni
• Subject Area: Synthesis and Properties of Functional Materials
• Term: from 2017 to 2024
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 323477257

Functionalized surfaces can be obtained by fabricating deterministic or stochastic structures with features in the micrometer, submicrometer and nanometer range. However, significantly enhanced surface properties can be produced by using micrometer scaled features covered by nano- or sub-micrometer structures, which occurs typically in nature. The main objective of this project is to develop new concepts and strategies for the fabrication of advanced functionalized surfaces based on topographical surface patterns with a multiscale characteristic as well as understanding the effects of two and three-level multiscale patterns on surface properties. To attempt this main objective, different laser based structuring methods will be combined. Furthermore, the developed technologies will be also used to produce structured metallic stamps for roll-to-roll processes, permitting to achieve record fabrication speeds up to 10 m²/min. The systematic variation of the surface topographical characteristics in a controlled and precise way will not only allow gaining significant knowledge in the field of surface engineering, but also opening a wide spectrum of opportunities for several industries (e.g. automobile, medical, food industry, pharmaceutical), all of them requiring advanced functionalized surfaces.

• DFG Programme: Reinhart Koselleck Projects