Under the leadership of MPL Metall-Pulver-Lackierung GmbH, partners such as the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer Research IAP, Ganzlin Beschichtungspulver GmbH and D.O.K. Chemie GmbH are researching a completely new generation of powder coatings. These coatings are designed to develop their superhydrophobic properties automatically during the coating process with the help of bioinspired additives. A special buoyancy effect known from water lilies, sea grasses and ground nettles is used to create microscopically rough, water-repellent surfaces. The project partners are also working on a suitable chemical pre-treatment and a stable coating process to guarantee the safe self-formation of superhydrophobic surfaces.

In addition to their exceptional functionality, these coatings offer a significant ecological advantage: compared to conventional wet coatings, powder coatings are solvent-free and unused residues in production are almost completely reusable. This conserves resources, reduces waste and increases the service life of a wide range of possible applications - from shipbuilding and structural or energy infrastructure to structures in automotive and mechanical engineering.

You can find out more about the fascinating combination of nature and technology and the potential of the PLacKLoS project on the website (only in German) with further background information and contact options.