This text is part of the special Research section
Surface engineering represents an important step in the development of the technologies of the future. Polytechnique Montréal is at the forefront of this work.
Within Polytechnique Montréal, the Laboratory for Functional Coatings and Surface Engineering (LaRFIS) works hand in hand with various private companies. These partners are very diverse, ranging from a manufacturer of aircraft engines to a leader in the field of glass products, including the largest equipment manufacturer in the aerospace industry. How does this public-private partnership work, and why are these companies partners? Elements of answer with Professor Ludvik Martinu, who directs LaRFIS with Professor Jolanta Sapieha.
“For several years, Quebec has been at the forefront in the research and development of new tools,” said Mr. Martinu. The various universities, such as INRS or Polytechnique Montréal, are training more and more qualified students able to work in the technology of the future. In general, in surface engineering, materials that are important to mechanics are made. In this research laboratory, we are working to design functional coatings and techniques to validate them on targeted applications. “
Concrete solutions
By working in synergy with their industrial partners, LaRFIS researchers are interested in the control of the growth of thin films, the engineering of surfaces and interfaces, as well as the metrology of the properties of coatings for applications in fields as diverse as optics, aerospace, the biomedical sector, the automotive industry, safety and consumer products.
“Manufacturers want us to offer them concrete solutions to the various problems posed. In Canada, the partnership program is very important to link universities and private companies. There is a grant of several dollars for every dollar invested, explains Professor Martinu. Since 2015, many such projects have been created. Regarding our project, we started in 2012 with seven partners, including the Canadian Space Agency and Essilor, the world’s leading eyewear manufacturer. The chair was renewed in 2017 for five years. Other private companies came to finance us while benefiting from federal and provincial subsidies. It is a winning exchange for all. “
These partnership activities, which receive support from major funding agencies, total more than $ 21 million. They led to the creation of 15 patents and the training of around 100 students. LaRFIS is working on different nanomaterials that may have utility in various fields.
Holistic approach
The laboratory’s approach is based on several axes: “We have a holistic approach, that is to say a global view of the field. It starts with understanding the needs of the industry and goes all the way to the quality of our materials. We have expertise and different tools to develop our projects optimally, continues Professor Martinu. We form or create triangular arrangements with a large company as the main user, then they subcontract for a production line, for example. This multifunctional aspect of the project is very important. “
“Surface coatings can have different applications, especially for the climate,” continues the director. For example, energy can be saved for buildings with plasma technology. This surface acceleration is a research axis used here in Canada to emit less greenhouse gases. “
In the aerospace industry, surface coating is essential. Indeed, it protects against erosion of the surfaces of the devices. For example, when planes fly near volcanoes or deserts, solid matter attacks the engine blades. We are developing a material that protects the surface and increases the resistance of aircraft engines.
“This additional resistance allows a slower deterioration of the engines and a reduction in pollution. Sustainable development is really at the heart of our work. With the intensification of the fight against climate change, materials must be more and more efficient, in all sectors. LaRFIS wishes to be fully involved in this change and ensure a greener future! »Concludes Mr. Martinu.