Expert Committee

Functionalisation of surfaces by micro- and nano patterning techniques

Micro- and nano-scale structures for functional surfaces.

Considering surface function, micro- and nano-patterning, and manufacturing processes together.

Members63

Founded2013

UnitDGM e.V.

Chair

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Andrés Fabián Lasagni
TU Dresden
CV Website

Vice Chair

Prof. Dr. Carsten Gachot
TU Wien

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Targeted micro- and nano-scale structures can influence the optical, antimicrobial, and tribological properties of surfaces. The DGM Expert Committee addresses the interplay between surface function, material, and patterning techniques.

Its focus covers fundamental research and manufacturing processes that transfer functionalised surfaces into applications. The committee pools the expertise of materials researchers from this and related fields.

01 · Focus areas

Function, structure, application

Structure

Micro- and nano-scale structures

Surface structures influence surface function.

The focus is on the relationship between deliberately created micro- and nano-scale structures, material, and surface properties.

Function

Optical, antimicrobial, tribological

Different requirements meet at the surface.

The committee addresses surfaces for optical, antimicrobial, and friction-related applications.

Manufacturing

Patterning and manufacturing

Functional principles need to be transferred into suitable manufacturing processes.

A key focus is on manufacturing processes for functionalised surfaces and on two- and three-dimensional structures.

02 · Exchange

Bringing fundamental research and application together

The development of functionalised surfaces requires equal attention to fundamental research and manufacturing. The committee pools expertise from materials research and related fields with the aim of strengthening cooperation between science and German industry.

Identifying key topics and trends, as well as increasing the visibility of functionalisation techniques, are important starting points for this work.

Functionalised surfaces combine a material’s properties with a deliberately created structure. Structured bearing surfaces for friction reduction, antimicrobial copper surfaces, and biocompatible coatings containing titanium dioxide illustrate the range of possible functions. Applications extend from optical and tribological tasks to fields such as mechanical engineering, healthcare and biomedicine, electronics, and aerospace.

The transition from functional principles to production raises questions about manufacturing processes for two- and three-dimensional structures as well as their production costs. Alongside fundamental research, the development of suitable manufacturing processes is therefore important.

The committee addresses this connection between research, patterning techniques, and application. It pools expertise from materials research and related fields and aims to strengthen cooperation between science and German industry.