MICROGEL - Research project

The MICROGEL project aims to functionalize a metallic surface through a sol-gel process in order to modify the surface properties of the metal to alter its optical properties (anti-reflective, appearance), physicochemical properties (wettability), biological properties (making the surface biocompatible), etc.
Micro-nanostructuring of a surface can be achieved directly by localized ablation of materials (for example, by laser or plasma etching). An alternative approach is to deposit a film on the metal surface that can be micro-nanostructured. This approach has been selected for the micro-gel project. Not only does this approach allow adding a function to the metal, but it can also protect it from corrosion, ensure electrical insulation, and add a barrier function more generally. However, this approach suffers from an adhesion problem between the sol-gel and the metal surface. Indeed, the difference in chemical bonds between a metal (metallic bonds) and a dielectric (covalent bonds) results in weak adhesion, making this approach less applicable for metallic parts.
To address this issue, the present project aims to combine the expertise of the Hubert Curien Laboratory (LABHC) in the synthesis of photogravable inorganic sol-gel and their micro-nanostructuring; of HEF IREIS on surface preparation and vacuum deposition of thin films; of the MATEIS laboratory on physicochemical characterization of interfaces and electrochemical reactivity of systems; and CETIM on the synthesis of organic-inorganic hybrid sol-gel. The original and innovative idea proposed is to increase this adhesion through a hybrid dry process/sol-gel process for micro-nanostructuring metal substrates using a micro-nanostructured sol-gel film with adhesion that can withstand a mechanical scratch test without delamination.