Development of multifunctional paints and coatings

In Germany, the value added to products by surface and coating technologies, namely crosssector technologies used in all manufacturing industries, currently amounts to ca. 20 billion per year. By integrating new functions into surfaces, new attractive products can be manufactured, with surface technology making a significantly higher contribution to the added value. It has been estimated by experts from industry and branch associations that a 5% increase in added value arising from innovative surface technology can compensate a cost disadvantage of 20% due to cheaper production in a foreign country. This situation is motivation enough for a research institute to be actively engaged in the development of multifunctional paints and coatings.