Antiviral Anodized Surfaces as Long-Lasting Protection Against Infection

Antiviral anodized surfaces permanently integrate the protective function into anodized aluminum surfaces. This enables hygienic solutions for contact surfaces in industry, infrastructure, and medical technology.

Whether on public transportation, in the operating room, in building systems, or in production environments, contact surfaces are among the most frequently used interfaces in everyday life. At the same time, they can transmit viruses for hours or even days. Existing infection control strategies rely primarily on cleaning and disinfection, which, however, are only effective to a limited extent and require a corresponding investment of resources. The Fem Research Institute, in collaboration with the Dechema Research Institute, has developed a surface concept in which antiviral properties are directly integrated into anodized aluminum surfaces. This provides industry and infrastructure with an approach for robust, low-maintenance hygiene solutions in high-wear applications.

The function is not applied as a separate coating, but is integrated into the anodically produced oxide layer of aluminum. Its microscopically fine pore structure serves as a reservoir for antiviral particles based on copper or silver, among other materials. These particles are introduced into the pores and bound to the surface. The basis for this is a targeted layer design: A dense base layer ensures corrosion protection and mechanical stability, while an open-pored functional layer, which lies on top of the base layer, carries the active components. This creates a surface in which the antiviral property is permanently anchored within the material and remains intact even under abrasion, cleaning, and continuous use.

“The key difference from traditional coating solutions is that the antiviral function is not merely applied to the surface but is integrated into the anodized layer. This ensures that it remains permanently effective even under mechanical stress, without compromising the material’s established properties,” says Dr. Christof Langer, head of the Light Metal Surface Technology Department at the Fem Research Institute.

The process can be integrated into existing anodizing facilities. While adjustments to individual process steps are required, a completely new production line is not necessary. This facilitates the transition to industrial application and significantly reduces the investment required by companies. At the same time, the economic risk associated with introducing the technology is reduced. Coating companies, suppliers, and component manufacturers can thus enhance their products with an additional function. Following successful scaling, the process also offers potential for use in industrial mass production.

The technology is particularly relevant for components that are frequently used and touched. These include, for example, handrails and door handles in public transportation, control elements in mechanical and plant engineering, fixtures in buildings, and components in medical facilities. Wherever surfaces are touched regularly, functionalized anodized coatings can help ensure that hygiene requirements are met on a long-term basis.

Operators in the infrastructure and building management sectors benefit in two ways: On the one hand, the antiviral function enhances safety during ongoing operations; on the other hand, it reduces cleaning and maintenance efforts.

Anodized coatings are evolving from purely decorative protective systems into carriers of additional functions. As a result, they increasingly offer technical and economic advantages that set them apart. “For the industry, this creates additional value-added potential along the entire process chain—from material development through coating to integration into end products. At the same time, the requirements for quality assurance and reliable verification of functionality are increasing,” emphasizes Langer. (OM-7/26)