Identification number: 1.1.1.3/1./24/A/077
Type: European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)
Duration: 01.06.2025 - 31.05.2028.
Project Leader: Dr. Juris Purāns, Institute of Solid State Physics University of Latvia (ISSP UL)
Responsible person from ISSP UL: Dr. Juris Purāns, ISSP UL
Project partners: Sidrabe Vacuum Ltd, AGL Technologies Ltd.
Total funding: 651 899 EUR
ERDF funding: 506 249 EUR
Aim:
The objective of this project is to develop and optimize advanced roll-to-roll (R2R) deposition technologies for large-scale production of functional coatings, with a focus on applications in Smart Windows and Antimicrobial Coatings (R2R-SWAC).
Summary:
The project aims to deposit thin films of photochromic yttrium oxyhydride (YHO), photocatalytic zinc ferrite (ZnxFe3−xO4), and hydrophobic mixed metal oxides (e.g., TiO2, ZnO, SnO2) with tailored chemical, structural, and functional properties using scalable magnetron sputtering techniques, including high power impulse magnetron sputtering (HiPIMS). The project targets achieving a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 4. Project duration - 36 months.
Expected Outcomes and Deliverables:
Innovative YHO Thin Films: Durable and scalable photochromic coatings for smart windows, demonstrated through prototype production and a scientific publication.
Advanced Antimicrobial Coatings: Ferrite photocatalytic compounds and hydrophobic metal oxides to prevent microbial contamination – scientific publications.
Optimized HiPIMS Technology: Scalable and cost-effective R2R magnetron sputtering for large-area coatings – a patent application
Tasks at ISSP UL:
Preparation of thin-film deposition equipment for both laboratory-scale and large-area Roll-to-Roll (R2R) systems.
Development and optimization of hydrophobic metal oxide (e.g., TiO₂, ZnO, SnO₂) deposition processes at the laboratory scale on glass and polymer substrates, using both pulsed-DCMS and HiPIMS techniques, including adjustment of deposition parameters to modify surface morphology and chemistry.
Development and optimization of photocatalytic ZnxFe₃−xO₄ deposition processes at the laboratory scale on glass and polymer substrates, with tuning of deposition parameters to alter structure and increase surface roughness.
Transfer of the most effective antimicrobial coating deposition process to the R2R system, including optimization of deposition parameters and polymer pre-treatment.
PROJECT PROGRESS
Time period: 01.06.2025. - 31.08.2025.
Photochromic coatings research:
The laboratory system G500M has been prepared for small-scale fabrication of photochromic YHO thin films. The first YHO samples were produced on amorphous quartz substrates and characterised – structure, optical, and photochromic properties were determined. The roll-to-roll (R2R) system UV80 was adapted to specific requirements, the yttrium target was prepared, the gas system optimised, and the equipment performance tested. Both G500M and UV80 are equipped with magnetron sputtering technology. The necessary materials for sample fabrication have been purchased.
Antimicrobial coatings research:
The laboratory system G500M.1 has been prepared for the fabrication of antimicrobial coatings, including modification of the vacuum system and establishment of a control system, which is still in progress. The first TiO2 samples were fabricated under different conditions on glass and PET substrates. Thickness and roughness measurements were performed, as well as determination of surface tension. The necessary materials for sample fabrication and testing have been purchased.