On November 18, 2025, SGL Carbon and Linköping University inaugurated a new advanced coating laboratory on the university campus in Sweden. Equipped with pilot reactor technology, the facility will focus on the development of next-generation graphite coatings, including tantalum carbide (TaC). This milestone is part of the EU-funded “Important Project of Common European Interest on Microelectronics and Communication Technologies,” and reflects a swift move from research into practical application, with the first qualification and test parts now available to customers.
Built on years of collaborative R&D, the newly developed TaC coating offers enhanced precision and performance compared with previous solutions. By integrating this innovation into its portfolio, SGL Carbon is reinforcing its position as a technology leader in specialized coating markets. The TaC layer is designed to improve the reliability and durability of components for rigorous semiconductor processes such as silicon carbide (SiC) epitaxy and SiC physical vapor transport growth.
The partnership brings together SGL Carbon’s extensive industrial experience and Linköping University’s expertise and infrastructure in chemical vapor deposition. Representatives from both organizations, including executives and technical specialists, attended the inauguration ceremony.
Andreas Klein, CEO of SGL Carbon: “The inauguration of this laboratory is a pivotal moment. This collaboration allows us to accelerate innovation and directly translate scientific progress into customer value. Our new TaC coating sets a new standard in the coating industry, opening new opportunities for our customers.”
“This collaboration combines applied research with industrial excellence at the highest level,” emphasizes Matts Karlsson, Vice-Rector for R&D at Linköping University. “This laboratory offers our researchers a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of materials science and help shape the technologies of tomorrow.”
The project receives funding from the European Union, the German federal government, and the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. It aims to bolster European technology leadership in the microelectronics and communication sectors by advancing critical materials and processes. This joint laboratory underscores the effective collaboration between academia and industry, providing a platform for ongoing development of high-performance graphite coatings and related materials technologies.
Source: SGL Carbon Newsroom
