Surface coatings meet the need to improve the energy performances of aeronautical and spatial systems. It promotes the increase of their lifetime as well as the conservation of certain critical resources. IREIS develops more particularly new advanced surface functions by thin coats for technologically advanced needs:
We are also conducting tribological studies for the development of the new generation of airplane engines. In particular, our test benches can simulate some friction phenomenon in extreme temperatures (cryogenic cooling) or high vacuum, recreating certain spatial or aeronautic operating conditions.
An important and complex problem met in the aeronautic industry is the fretting corrosion. It is the consequence of modifications due to high-frequency vibrations with low clearances. To conduct an extensive study of the phenomenon, IREIS possess test benches allowing to reconstitute these particular conditions of contact stresses to bring solutions in terms of materials and surface treatment.
The integration of composite materials in aeronautics causes a defect of electrical charges flow putting the system at the mercy of lightning. IREIS develops covers applicable on composite or polymer materials, allowing to adapt the electrical conductivity of the surface for needs like electric conductivity or for electromagnetic shielding. Likewise, IREIS designs coverings which can be applied on metals for anti-icing functions and covers a wide range of heating resistances on diverse substrates (plastic, composite materials, …).
IREIS test benches have the particularity to operate in order to reproduce some extreme conditions of functioning for systems intended for spatial missions :
-Vacuum or controlled atmosphere benches
-Some benches with cryogenic cooling by liquid nitrogen to keep temperature lower than -328°F
With those large and various equipments, IREIS has been requested on many occasions for developments relative to spatial missions. IREIS developed in particular a coating for the seismic antenna of a rover as part of the mission Exomars.
A coating was also designed for the sun visor (1,7 meters high and 2m in diameter) of the satellite ISO developed by the European Space Agency and sent into orbit in 1995 to observe infrared radiation from average and long distance.
IREIS’s skills find their place in the domain of defense, whether for surface treatments applications strengthening the mechanical aspect (wear and corrosion resistance) or tribological properties, but also with technical advantages brought by the thin coatings in domains of discretion and vision systems.