Oleophilic non-stick coatings through surface structures for cookware

• Applicant: Dr.-Ing. Tim Radel
• Subject Area: Synthesis and Properties of Functional Materials
• Term: since 2023
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 519202422

According to the current state of the art, either non-stick coatings based predominantly on polyfluorocarbons or sol-gel coatings and thus exhibiting an oleophobic character are used for cookware. Alternatively, bright steels or enamels are used, which exhibit an oleophilic property but do not lead to any non-stick effect. To counteract these critical points, the combination of surface structuring by laser and an organosilicon non-stick coating (PECVD process) is being pursued in the proposed research project. The primary goal is to create an oleophilic non-stick coating in a demonstrator for cookware, in particular pans. Two scientific objectives are at the center of the investigations. One is to increase the understanding of the relationship between the laser parameters and the mechanical as well as morphological properties of the structure used. These laser-induced non-periodic structures (NPS) offer a promising approach to create an olephilic surface that promotes homogeneous and rapid distribution of the oil despite elevated temperatures and its continuous availability. Moreover, the geometrical and mechanical properties of the structure are expected to have an influence on the structure-coating interaction. On the other hand, a plasma polymer coating with high thermal as well as mechanical stability, as well as a low surface energy should be developed. This coating represents a unique innovation compared to previously used coatings, as it is free of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and other perfluorinated carboxylic acids commonly used to produce polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE, commercial name Teflon®) and other fluorine-containing polymers as auxiliaries in the manufacture of non-stick coatings. It is known that PFOA does not degrade in the environment and therefore these substances are referred to as eternity chemicals. For PFOS and PFOA, their production, use, placing on the market and import as a substance itself, as well as in mixtures and articles (products) are thereby banned in the EU with a few exceptions and will be further banned in the future.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants (Transfer Project)
• Application Partner: Induflex Coating Systems GmbH; Sitec Industrietechnologie GmbH; WMF GmbH
• Cooperation Partner: Dr. Ralph Wilken