Ultrasonic spray deposition for high-performance ultra-thin films
Scalable ultrasonic spray deposition technology creates ultra-thin polymer and metal oxide films on diverse substrates, offering precise thickness control and excellent coverage for complex geometries. Proven in space projects, it's cost-effective and suitable for industry applications.
Overview
Ultrasonic spray deposition is an innovative process designed to create ultra-thin, high-performance films made from polymers and metal oxides. This technology offers uniform coatings in the nanometer range, making it ideal for applications requiring precision and scalability. It supports a wide array of substrates, including flat and curved surfaces, thus providing solutions for complex geometries. The process is particularly valuable where traditional methods struggle, such as in coating non-planar or intricate objects.
Technical specifications
- Materials: Compatible with high-performance polymers like polyimide and PPS, and metallic oxides.
- Process: Operates at ambient pressure and mild conditions, suitable for temperature-sensitive materials.
- Efficiency: Reduces material waste through efficient atomization and deposition.
- Applications: Proven in high-performance sectors, including space applications, ensuring reproducibility and quality.
- Scalability: Parameters are optimized for ultra-thin coatings (<0.5 μm) with robotic handling systems for large-scale applications.
Technology readiness level
This technology is currently at TRL 4, having been validated in industry-linked space projects. Future plans include optimizing deposition parameters and scaling up the process for broader industrial applications, ensuring its readiness for commercial deployment.
About Australian National University
Australian National University is a comprehensive public research university in Canberra with a national mandate and global outlook. Industry partners access on-campus national supercomputing, micro- and nanofabrication capabilities, prototyping spaces, and clinical research pathways through affiliations with the Canberra Hospital. Proximity to Australia’s federal agencies and adjacency to CSIRO enable collaboration on policy, standards, and translational science, while a regional innovation network connects companies to talent and startups. Research is underpinned by competitive national funding, including the Australian Research Council and National Health and Medical Research Council, alongside government and industry contracts. A dedicated technology transfer office and a university-owned enterprise arm support IP, licensing, and spinout creation.
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