SCIENCE SERVING THE SURFACE
The physical nature of corrosion protection coatings is critical to the properties of an overall system. Therefore, the constant exchange of information about the surface condition, the layer structure and the composition of the layers being investigated is extremely important. The condition of the delivered material is also important. For this reason we examine, characterise and document materials and their properties before and after they have been coated. Likewise, in case of component failure or premature signs of corrosion, we create a well-founded damage analysis – important for process development and series production.
The department realises a material-technical view of galvanic coatings and considers the mutual influence between the deposition process and the base material. To characterise the material, both a scanning electron microscope with energy-dispersive X-ray analysis and a confocal laser scanning microscope for optical roughness measurement and 3D representation of the surfaces are important. Using a light microscope (reflected light, stereoscopic), there are further possibilities for examining the micro structure (layer and base material). Working closely with the Research and Development department of Hillebrand Chemicals and the Production department of WHW Hillebrand, continuous increases in quality and further development of the coatings are realised.
