Atmospheric plasma coating — plasma-based coating in air without a vacuum — enables the direct functionalisation of wood and bio-based materials. Conductor paths can be applied directly, without the use of plastic films and in an environmentally friendly manner. At JOANNEUM RESEARCH’s Niklasdorf site, researchers are exploring new opportunities for sustainable interior architecture and intelligent material applications.
Atmospheric pressure plasma coating relies on the generation of a plasma at ambient pressure. A gas mixture is ionised and directed specifically onto the surface of the material. This allows various functional layers to be applied — such as electrically conductive structures, water-repellent coatings, or adhesion-promoting interlayers. A key advantage of the process is that it does not require vacuum chambers, making atmospheric plasma coating not only highly scalable and cost-efficient but also environmentally sustainable thanks to its minimal carbon footprint. “This technology allows us to functionalise materials in a completely new way — without using harmful chemicals or energy-intensive processes,” explains Jürgen Lackner, researcher at JOANNEUM RESEARCH MATERIALS.2-Fussabdruck auch ökologisch nachhaltig ist. „Die Technologie ermöglicht es uns, Materialien auf eine völlig neue Weise zu funktionalisieren, ohne dass dabei umweltschädliche Chemikalien oder energieintensive Prozesse nötig sind“, erklärt Jürgen Lackner, Forscher bei JOANNEUM RESEARCH MATERIALS.
Applications and Benefits
The technology is used to integrate invisible yet functional elements into wood and natural materials. For example, heating or sensor elements can be directly incorporated into furniture or wall panels. Because the materials are treated directly, their natural aesthetic remains unchanged. “We see great potential in sustainable interior design in particular, as we can integrate smart functions into natural materials without altering their appearance,” Lackner continues.
Researchers at JOANNEUM RESEARCH are working closely with INO GmbH to develop atmospheric plasma coating technology. While Jürgen Lackner's team is responsible for fundamental research and process optimisation, INO focuses on scaling the technology for industrial use. Another key scientific partner is Wood K plusthe competence centre for wood. Industrial partners such as EGGER HOLZ, F/List and Technoholz are testing the technology in specific product developments. Roll-to-roll methods and robot-assisted coating processes enable large-scale application on sheet and roll materials.
Less Plastic
Atmospheric plasma coating contributes to reducing the use of plastics in functional, bio-based materials. It not only facilitates the creation of durable and repairable surfaces but also ensures their easy recyclability. Especially in interior architecture, automotive engineering and aerospace, the technology opens up new possibilities for sustainable and multifunctional use of materials. With ongoing development and adaptation to industrial requirements, atmospheric plasma coating could become a key technology for resource-efficient production and smart material solutions.
The research team led by Jürgen Lackner was recently honoured with the Styria Innovation Prize 2025 and the Houskapreis, in recognition of their work on atmospheric plasma coating.
