CLiCAM ERA Talents, Dr. Rajesh Mundotia and Dr. Omid Sharifahmadian together with Dr. Rebeca Correia (Process engineer, AGC Interpane) visited AGC Technovation Centre, Charleroi, Belgium for the development of advanced multifunctional coatings (like Low-E, Self-Cleaning, wash and environment resistant) for the technical textiles. These trials were conducted in Hybrid PVD and PECVD in-line Pilot coater (manufactured by AGC Plasma) with wide range of materials and plasma process parameters. This campaign aims to gain comprehensive understanding of the coating materials and optimal process parameters for different textiles.

A very productive discussion was organized to incorporate innovative ideas towards improving the functionality of the textiles for potential applications. This specialized campaign added in-depth technical insights into next-generation thin-film coatings for technical textiles at pilot-scale operations.

We express our sincere gratitude to Dr. Hugues Wiame (Director of AGC Plasma), Dr. Philippe Roquiny (Strategic project manager AGC Plasma), Daniel Longhi and their team for organizing this valuable opportunity at AGC Technovation Centre, for their warm hospitality and exceptional technical guidance.

This advanced exposure further strengthens CLiCAM ERA Talents’ expertise in thin-film deposition technologies, supporting ongoing R&D initiatives within the CLiCAM project.

From left, Dr. Xavier Laloyaux, Dr. Hugues Wiame, Dr. Rajesh Mundotia, Dr. Philippe Roquiny, Dr. Omid Sharifahmadian and Dr. Rebeca Correia after a very productive discussion at AGC Technovation Centre, Charleroi, Belgium.

Our ERA talent Dr. Omid Sharifahmadian recently presented his study on the development of durable superhydrophobic thin films for textile surfaces, highlighting innovative approaches to achieving long-lasting water repellency for technical textiles.

During the presentation, given in the presence of Dr. Rebeca Falcao and Dr. Rajesh Mundotia, he discussed the challenges associated with creating hydrophobic coatings that maintain their performance after repeated washing and mechanical stress.

By carefully engineering the surface structure and chemistry, the coatings aim to provide strong water repellency while remaining stable during real-world applications. To enable future industrial implementation, the project also explores the use of Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition (PECVD) as a scalable method for coating deposition. PECVD offers precise control over thin-film formation and allows uniform coatings to be applied to complex textile substrates while preserving their flexibility and structural integrity.

The ongoing training aims to bridge the gap between laboratory-scale development and industrial application by designing robust, scalable superhydrophobic coatings suitable for next-generation functional textiles, including protective clothing, outdoor fabrics, and self-cleaning materials.

Join us in the upcoming workshop titled: “CLiCAM ILP Research Projects Development & Building Capacities”

Date: March 18–20, 2026 
Location: CEITEC BUT, Purkyňova 123, Brno, 612 00, Czechia

Tailored for researchers and innovation leaders, this event focuses on refining essential skills in grant development, project management as well as improvement of professional talent.

Programme Overview

Day No.1 – Wednesday, March 18, 2026

Research Projects Development and Management
Delivered by Zuzana Reptová

• 14:00 - 14:20 Welcome, Introduction and Objectives

• 14:20 - 16:25 Grant Proposal Development - Research Grant Application Fundamentals

• 16:35 - 18:00 Academic/Technical Writing for Creating a Competitive Proposal

Day No.2 – Thursday, March 19, 2026

Research Projects Development and Management (morning session)
Delivered by Zuzana Reptová

• 08:30 - 10:00 Project Planning

• 10:10 - 11:20 Planning for Impact

• 11:30 - 12:45 Fundamentals of Research Project Management

Building Capacities for Sustainable Innovation (afternoon session)
Delivered by Gabriela Čičmancová

• 14:00 - 14:15 Introduction of the instructor, event overview. Objectives and expected outcomes

• 14:15 - 15:15 Engaging Employees: Talent Management for Innovation I (Recruiting People for Research)

• 15:25 - 16:25 Engaging Employees: Talent Management for Innovation II (Development and Retention of People)

• 16:35 - 18:00 Engaging Employees: Talent Management for Innovation III (Learning, Diversity, Intercultural Collaboration)

Day No.3 – Friday, March 20, 2026

Building Capacities for Sustainable Innovation
Delivered by Zuzana Reptová

• 08:30 - 10:30 R&I Policy Landscape

• 10:40 - 11:30 Transnational Funding Scheme

Meet the Lecturers

• Zuzana Reptová – Project consultant at Addsen with expertise in Horizon Europe, ERC, and MSCA funding. Former NCP and national expert in R&I programme committees.

• Gabriela Čičmancová – HR leader and consultant with 20+ years of international experience, specializing in HR transformation, talent development, and people strategy.

‍This training programme offers a unique opportunity to strengthen your research and innovation skills while networking with experts in the field.

Target Audience:

ERA Talents, researchers, industry professionals, entrepreneurs, and anybody who is interested in provided topics

Download the agenda here!

See you in Brno from March 18–20, 2026!

REGISTER HERE

CLiCAM ERA Talent, Dr. Rajesh Mundotia recently participated in the specialized industrial workshop, "Plasma Process Simulation Tools for Industrial Coating and Etching Systems - Latest Developments and Future Trends," held at Fraunhofer IST in Braunschweig, Germany on 28 - 29 January 2026. The two-day event, jointly organized by Fraunhofer IST, Boltzplatz, and PlasmaSolve, provided a deep dive into the evolving landscape of plasma simulation.

Technical Synergy and Innovation

This specialized program offered Live demonstrations and in-depth technical insights into process Simulations Tools for Industrial Coating and Etching Systems operations. Throughout the Workshop, Dr. Mundotia focused on exploring how these advanced tools can be integrated to achieve plasma uniformity, uniform gas distribution and precise stoichiometry within the research facilities at FunGlass - specifically for the pilot line equipped with PVD and PECVD technology. Furthermore, the event served as a unique platform for high-level dialogue and networking with industry leaders.

We would like to express sincere gratitude to Dr. Dennis Barton, Dipl.-Phys. Holger Gerdes and the entire team for organizing this valuable workshop. These advanced trainings strengthen Dr. Rajesh Mundotia's and every other CLiCAM ERA Talent’s expertise in thin-film deposition technologies and driving progress towards the next generation of advanced manufacturing.

In January, ERA Talent Dr. Omid Sharifahmadian joins the AGC Interpane in Lauenförde, Germany. During his secondment, he will be working with the Dr. Rebecca Correia and ERA Talent Dr. Rajesh Mundotia in advancing training activities and planning the next phases of technical textile development. His training explores the integration of high-performance low-emissivity (Low-E) functionality into textile materials such as polyester and Nylon 6,6. To ensure long-term performance, the study aims to improve the durability of these coatings by applying adhesion layer. The team is addressing the technical challenge of depositing adherent, uniform thin films onto these complex surfaces without compromising structural integrity.

Experimental Breakthroughs

To overcome these hurdles, the team has been conducting various experiments utilizing low-temperature vacuum deposition techniques. Specifically, the training integrates Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) with PECVD-based surface treatments and specialized vacuum processes. Dr. Rajesh Mundotia shared the latest experimental findings during a technical review attended by Dr. Hansjörg Weis, Dr. Rebeca Correia, and Dr. Omid Sharifahmadian.

Future Outlook: Advancing Technical Textiles

Following the discussion of these results, the team has successfully planned future experimental goals. The focus remains on advancing Low-E functionality to push the boundaries of what is possible in the field of technical textiles.

The FunGlass Centre, Alexander Dubček University of Trenčín recently hosted a series of scientific seminars led by Dr. Rosalía Poyato, a Senior Research Scientist from the Materials Science Institute of Seville.

Held on 21 and 23 January 2026, these sessions were supported by the CLiCAM project. To maximize engagement across the scientific community and consortium partners, the events were conducted in a hybrid format, combining in-person lectures with live webinars.

The seminar series provided a deep dive into developments in advanced ceramic materials, with a specific emphasis on zirconia-based composites integrated with two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials. The program was divided into two specialized sessions:

• Tailoring the microstructure of advanced zirconia composites incorporating 2D nanomaterials through the control of processing (21 January 2026)
• Mechanical and electrical properties of advanced zirconia ceramics incorporating 2D nanomaterials: potential applications (23 January 2026)

Dr. Rosalia Poyato shared critical insights into the complex structure-property relationships that define these materials. Her expertise facilitated a robust exchange of knowledge, aligning with the core mission of the CLiCAM project to enhance research excellence and foster international institutional collaboration.

These seminars served as a vital platform for disseminating high impact research, further positioning the FunGlass Centre at the forefront of innovation in advanced ceramics and nanocomposites.

Wishing our valued project partners a wonderful holiday season and a prosperous New Year!

We value our partnership and look forward to reaching new milestones together in 2026.

A highly impactful and productive experimental visit was recently concluded at the Fraunhofer Institute for Surface Engineering and Thin Films (IST) in Braunschweig, Germany. CLiCAM ERA Talent, Dr. Rajesh Mundotia, alongside Dr. Rebeca Correia (Process Engineer at AGC Interpane), collaborated on advanced surface engineering technologies for technical textiles.

We extend our sincere gratitude to Dipl.-Phys. Holger Gerdes and Dr.-Ing. Ralf Bandorf (Optical and electrical systems, Fraunhofer IST) for facilitating this crucial research endeavour.

Process Optimization for Durable Low-E Functionality

The primary objective of the campaign was to mitigate key challenges associated with integrating High-Performance Low Emissivity (Low-E) functionality into textile substrates using Vacuum-based Surface Engineering techniques.

The core of the work addressed two major hurdles:

• Maximizing Coating Adhesion: Integrating thin-film coatings onto porous and complex textile surfaces requires specialized preparation. The team explored various possibilities of Vacuum-based pre-treatment processes to significantly enhance the adhesion of the subsequent coating layers.
• Ensuring Wash Durability: A significant challenge for functional textiles is retaining the properties of the coating after routine cleaning. Using the world-class facilities at Fraunhofer IST, the team optimized and tuned PVD/PECVD processes to develop highly adherent, dense, and uniform thin-film coatings. This process optimization aims to ensure the Low-E properties are fully retained after multiple washing cycles.

This collaboration highlights CLiCAM's commitment to innovation and applied research in materials science, bringing advanced surface engineering from the lab to real-world technical textile applications.

We are delighted to provide an update on CLiCAM ERA talents Dr. Serhii Tkachenko and Dr. Pavel Gejdoš, who have just finished their three-month secondments at the Zoz company in Wenden, Germany.

During the final phase of their stay, they participated in a training program designed by Zoz Director, Katharina Zoz, to improve their interpersonal skills, including corporate communication, problem-solving, leadership, corporate governance and intellectual property rights management.

They had also the opportunity to complete their experimental activities using high kinetic-ball milling devices, producing micro- and nanosized ceramic and composite powders for subsequent thermal spray and additive manufacturing activities. Finally, the knowledge gained during the research stay at Zoz company was disseminated at the 7^th International Thermal Spraying and Hardfacing Conference (ITSHC), held on September 11-12 in Wroclaw, Poland, where Dr. Serhii Tkachenko presented a lecture “Microstructure and Electrical Insulation Properties of Atmospheric Plasma-Sprayed Alumina (Al₂O₃) and Magnesium Aluminate Spinel (MgAl₂O₄) Coatings”.

We are grateful to Katarina Zoz, CEO & president of Zoz company, Dipl.-Ing. Hans-Ulrich Benz, head of powder materials production, and a working student B. Sc. Omima Boulakchour, for creating a supportive environment and unique opportunity in the field of experimental activities and improving personal skills for both CLiCAM  ERA talents!

As a part of the CLiCAM project, we are actively driving advancements in Surface Engineering to integrate High-Performance Low Emissivity (Low-E) functionality into textile materials. The core technical hurdle lies in depositing uniform, highly adherent thin-film coatings onto the complex topography and thermally sensitive substrates, such as polyester and Nylon 6,6 fabrics, without compromising the material integrity. To overcome this, our strategic approach leverages state-of-the-art, low-temperature vacuum deposition techniques, particularly PVD combined with PECVD surface pretreatment. This method is crucial for ensuring the structural stability and uniformity of the low E coatings.

Our work focuses on engineering a robust coating hierarchy:

• Critical Surface Activation: Vacuum based pre-treatment to maximize coating adhesion on the textile material
• Functional Layer Deposition (PVD/PECVD): Depositing the Low-E metallic layer with plasma pre-treatment
• Protective Topcoat: Applying a final layer to enhance durability and ensure the entire system can withstand harsh environmental conditions

The comprehensive surface engineering techniques being utilized to deposit highly functional Low-E coatings on textile fabrics have been presented by Dr. Rajesh Mundotia. Further strategic directions were discussed during a highly productive planning session with Dr. Hansjörg Weis and Dr. Rebeca Correia to define our next phase of research.