Adhesion and Corrosion Science

The main scientific focus of the Adhesion and Corrosion Science group is to achieve fundamental understanding of structures, forces and reactions at materials interfaces. The control of adhesion and corrosion reactions plays a major role for durability and functional properties. Mainly, we focus on model materials surfaces and interfaces (e.g. single crystals, self-assembled monolayers) which allow for the application of sophisticated analytical methods. Related new concepts are transferred to the other research groups of the TMC. Thereby, this group is focused on cross-sectional topics.

Interfacial forces under controlled environmental conditions are studied based on Single Molecule Force Spectroscopy, Chemical Force Microscopy and Colloidal Probe Technique Spectroscopy. Such AFM techniques allow for a quantification of interfacial and contact forces of organic molecules, macromolecules and particles.

Kelvin Probe methods on the microscopic and nanoscopic level as well as cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy are methods which are applied and adapted to advanced engineering and functional materials.

FTIR and Raman Spectroscopy are coupled with the control of the electrode potential and the analysis of interfacial current densities. Backside measurements, diffuse reflectance as well as grazing incidence and attenuated total reflectance methods have been established for various applications.

Molecular surface chemistry comprises self-assembly processes of organosilanes, thiols, phosphonates and carboxylates, electrografting of diazonium salts and CVD of organosilanes. Thereby, functional materials surfaces and modified particles for additive manufacturing are created

In-situ and operando spectroscopic approaches based on FTIR, Raman, XPS and ICP-OES analysis are developed for the study of interface and corrosion reactions under ambient and corrosive conditions. Recently, a NAP-XPS and a Nano-FTIR system were installed to allow for the analysis of ultra-thin adsorbates and single macromolecules under controlled environmental conditions.

Corrosion studies consider both highly corrosion resistant alloys and bioresorbable metal alloys for medical applications. Alloys are synthesized based on additive manufacturing in cooperation with dedicated research groups. Thin coatings are deposited by magnetron sputtering again in cooperation with dedicated institutes. However, recently a system for combinatorial thin film deposition and analysis was installed at the TMC, which allows for the development of innovative thin film concepts. With regard to composite materials and materials composites we analyse polymer/metal and polymer/fiber interfaces.