Molecular Surface Modification
Polymer Coatings for Industrial Applications
Most of the polymer materials used in industry are rather hydrophobic. However, many applications depend not only on the bulk properties of those polymers such as mechanical stability, but surface properties are also very important. Examples include the binding to polarad hesives, paints or printing inks, which can be improved by increasing the hydrophilicity of the polymer surface.
The interactions of polymers with biological systems are even more complex; adsorption of proteins occurs on most polymers and has for example an influence on cell attachment or platelet aggregation.
By tuning the surface properties, bio compatibility or anti-fouling properties of such materials can be optimized.
Design of Thin Functional Polymer Layers
Surface modification of polymers is the most straight forward approach to adapt the interface properties to the specific requirements of particular applications. Thin covalently grafted functional polymer layers are obtained by using a surface functionalization technology based on well-defined photo-initiated reactions.
The ELIOD technologies allow the functionalization of a broad variety of support materials of different formats: flatsheet and hollow fibre membranes, microplates, glass, polymer films, sensor materials.
The functionalities and properties of the polymer layers can be tailored to the requirements of the application:
Using the special ELIOD coating technology for the surface functionalization of various base materials has particular advantages: