Bonding metals that normally cannot be bond: A research team of material scientists at Kiel University has discovered a method how different metals can permanently be joined with nearly all other materials. Bonding aluminium & silicon, titanium & silicon or aluminium & copper is now possible without affecting the mechanical stability of the metals.

 

 

 

In addition to that the surfaces of these metals become more water-repellent and biocompatible. This fundamentally new method »nanoscale-sculpturing« is based on using an electro-chemical etching process, in which the uppermost layer of a metal is structured on a micrometer scale in a tightly-controlled manner. Result of this »nanoscale-sculpturing« process is a 3D structure with tiny hooks. The potential spectrum of applications is extremely broad, ranging from metalwork in industry right through to safer implants in medical technology.

At the CAU booth material scientists of Kiel University present the method with examples of bonded materials (see exhibition) and show possible applications in this lecture.