Interface and surface technology Fraunhofer Institute for
Mechanics of Materials IWM Identifying loads affecting the
surfaces of components. Modifying these surfaces for better
functionality and performance. Manufacturing processes or
operational usage often subject component surfaces to stress. At
the same time, the functionality of a technical system is often
incorporated into these surfaces. The Fraunhofer IWM has the
know-how, the methods and the techniques to optimize component
surfaces in terms of friction, optics, wetting, conductivity,
topography or adhesion. Modern analysis techniques are used to
assess interfaces and surfaces and identify failure mechanisms.
These include modern coating technologies or specific surface
layer modifications. Layer growth, tribological contacts and
adhesion phenomenon are simulated in order to optimize the
development of layers. - Interface energy - Surface morphology
and topography (atomic to large-scale) - Surface chemistry,
chemical structure (SIMS, GDOES) - Interna