The area of competence of the team covers a broad spectrum of vacuum-plasma surface treatments of metals and alloys, thin film deposition and research on their structure, mechanical and tribological properties and corrosion resistance.
We have long-standing experience in plasma nitriding with an active screen (ASPN), the deposition of wear-resistant coatings on tools by reactive magnetron sputtering and vacuum arc evaporation. In particular, our experience relates to coatings on woodworking tools.
The team develops magnetron technologies, including HiPIMS and arc technologies, together with plasma source design.
Our technology infrastructure includes two industrial-scale coating plants for magnetron sputtering, HiPIMS and vacuum arc evaporation.
We are equipped with a high-class X-ray diffractometer, SEM with an EDS analyser and a whole range of devices for testing mechanical and tribological properties and adhesion of PVD coatings.
Corrosion and tribocorrosion tests of surfaces and coatings are conducted by impedance spectroscopy and potentiodynamic measurements.
The expertise offered includes:
- characterisation of crystallographic structure, microstructure, phase identification and composition, stress state, chemical composition, mechanical and tribological properties and adhesion of thin-film coatings,
- corrosion and tribocorrosion studies by using potentiodynamic and impedance spectroscopy methods,
- wetting angle measurements,
- physical vapour deposition (PVD) of thin films and coatings: reactive deposition processes (DC/pulsed magnetron sputtering, HiPIMS, vacuum arc evaporation),
- DC and pulsed active screen plasma nitriding (ASPN) and arc enhanced glow discharge (AEGD) plasma nitriding of metals and alloys,
- design and deposition of new hard, low friction transition metal nitride and carbide-based wear-resistant coatings for forming and cutting tools, in particular for woodworking,
- optical emission spectroscopy for process plasma monitoring and control,
- design and construction of new plasma sources for magnetron sputtering and vacuum arc evaporation.
The team is interested in cooperation in:
- research on new, multicomponent PVD coatings for tribological applications, in particular for woodworking tools,
- development of HiPIMS technology and other PVD techniques for deposition of low stress, hard, wear-resistant coatings on tools for machining of difficult-to-cut materials,
- vacuum plasma-based hybrid treatment of metals and alloys combining low-pressure plasma nitriding and deposition of coatings,
- new multicomponent metal carbide/amorphous carbon-based nanocomposite coatings for medical applications and stress sensors,
- new electrode materials/coatings for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER),
- plasma characterisation for process monitoring and control
Additional information (e.g. previous experience in Framework Programmes, experience related to innovation projects, prizes, participation in international organisations):
Partner in the Network of Excellence COMPLEX METALLIC ALLOYS (2005-2009) NOE 500140-2 CMA;
Leader in “Hybrid technologies of surface modification for woodworking tools” in the operational programme: Innovative Economy (2009-2012) funded by EU;
Partner in „Opti-wood", contract No BIOSTRATEG3/344303/14/NCBR/2018 (2018-2021)
Thematic area - Cluster in Horizon Europe: 4. Digital, Industry and Space