Solution precursor plasma spraying method for applying partial coatings to substrates - Patents.com

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for applying a partial coating (12) to a metal substrate (2), the method comprising the steps of providing (200) the metal substrate (2) to be coated, introducing (300) the metal substrate (2) into a reaction zone (6) of a heat source (4), purposefully introducing (400) a precursor compound (8) into the reaction zone (6) of the heat source (4) to produce a coating additive (10), and coating (500) the metal substrate (2) with the coating additive (10) produced in the reaction zone (6) of the heat source (4).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for applying a partial coating, to a metal substrate having at least a partial coating and to a coating system for applying a partial coating. Furthermore, the present invention relates to the use of a precursor compound in the method for applying a partial coating. [Background technology]

[0002] In the context of the expansion of electromobility, particular attention is being paid to the production of battery systems in high-performance electric vehicles that are integrated into so-called battery boxes. Boxes of this kind are usually equipped with glued cooling plates and are provided with elastomeric seals or adhesive bonds at the edges or bushings. Battery boxes can be up to 2m 2 The battery box has dimensions of about 100 mm and occupies the entire floor of the vehicle. In order to ensure efficient heat transfer to the cooling plate, it is necessary to provide a so-called gap filler or other heat-conducting material, such as a thermally conductive paste, between the cooling plate and the battery cells. However, a highly pure and bondable surface is essential for the application of the adhesive or thermally conductive paste. In addition, corrosion protection is necessary, since the battery box is often installed in the underbody of the vehicle and is exposed to corrosive media, such as antifreeze salts. Untreated metal surfaces are therefore not suitable for the subsequent adhesive or thermally conductive paste application, because they are not only less corrosion-resistant but also too uneven.

[0003] In order to allow a simple and stable application of adhesives or heat conductive pastes to metal surfaces and at the same time ensure corrosion resistance, wet chemical methods are nowadays used for surface modification. For example, in the case of aluminum, adhesive bonding requires the so-called alumina monohydrate (boehmite) on the surface, which is generated via a subsequent hydrochemical passivation treatment. To improve the corrosion stability, so-called conversion layers are applied to the aluminum components in an aqueous treatment using the methods common in the state of the art. Methods for applying such layers are, for example, wet chemical methods such as anodizing, chromating, phosphating and zirconium fluoride / titanium fluoride passivation. In addition, similar wet chemical methods for surface functionalization are known for other metals, such as, for example, iron, magnesium or zinc.

[0004] However, the disadvantage of the known wet chemical methods for surface functionalization of metal substrates is that the treatments often take several hours, are very energy intensive and require a large plant engineering effort. In addition, the treatments have to be applied as bath treatments, usually to the entire part, which is very uneconomical for large parts that only need to be bonded partially. Furthermore, the aforementioned wet chemical methods are disadvantageous from an environmental point of view, since after the use of the rinsing baths, wastewater treatment is required to neutralize the rinsed chemicals and to remove the components from the water by precipitation or coagulation.

[0005] In addition to wet chemical treatments for the surface modification of metal substrates, the state of the art also knows thermal coating methods, in which the coating material is dissolved in an organic solvent and mixed with a liquid gas flame to produce a surface modification on the substrate. However, the flexibility of the surface modification due to the pre-dissolution of the coating material in the solvent used for flame formation is low. Thus, the addition of the coating material is not locally variable, but is carried out instantly with the combustion of the solvent. In addition, the known thermal coating methods are usually formed in the form of plasma coating methods, which significantly increase not only the energy burden but also the equipment burden. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The object of the present invention is therefore to at least partially overcome the aforementioned disadvantages of known coating methods for applying partial coatings. In particular, the object of the present invention is to provide a coating method for metal substrates, which allows for targeted partial coating of metal substrates in a simple, cost-effective, environmentally friendly and flexible manner to improve the adhesion of adhesive bonds and elastomeric seals and to increase the corrosion resistance of the substrates. In addition, it is desirable that the coating method can be carried out, if possible at least partially, in an automated manner. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The above-mentioned problem is solved by a method having the features of the independent method claim, a substrate having the features of the independent material claim, a system having the features of the independent system claim and a use having the features of the independent use claim. Further features and details of the invention are evident from the respective dependent claims, the description and the respective drawings. Reference is or can always be made bidirectionally to the individual aspects of the invention in the context of the present disclosure, since the features and details described in the context of the method according to the invention naturally also apply in the context of the substrate according to the invention, the system according to the invention and the use according to the invention and vice versa.

[0008] In accordance with the present invention, a method is provided for applying a partial coating to a metal substrate, the method including the steps of providing a substrate to be coated, introducing the substrate into a reaction zone of a heat source, optionally introducing a precursor compound into the reaction zone of the heat source to produce a coating additive, and coating the substrate with the coating additive produced in the reaction zone of the heat source.

[0009] According to the invention, a metal substrate is understood to mean, in particular, a substrate that is at least partially, preferably completely, made of a metal material. According to the invention, a partial coating is understood to mean, in particular, a coating of a part of the surface of the substrate. Furthermore, introducing a substrate into the reaction zone of a heat source is understood to mean both an active positioning of the substrate in the reaction zone of the heat source and an active positioning of the heat source relative to the substrate in order to introduce the substrate into the reaction zone of the heat source. Furthermore, targeted introduction of a precursor compound into the reaction zone of a heat source is understood to mean, preferably, a targeted, locally limited introduction of the precursor compound. Thus, it is possible to target-target the production of the coating additive by, for example, target-targeting the introduction of the precursor compound into flame zones with different temperatures and / or different oxidation and reduction potentials.

[0010] By the method of the invention, it is possible to carry out a direct and spatially resolved coating, especially on a substrate. The reaction area can be especially a part of the flame curtain or flame of a burner. Likewise, when using other heat sources, such as a laser, it is also conceivable to consider the spot of the laser or the spot of the laser beam as the reaction area. The heat source can be in the form of a laser or a burner, especially an infrared burner or a near infrared burner. If the heat source is in the form of a burner, it can further be formed as a single burner, a surface burner (line burner) or a volumetric burner (porous burner).

[0011] It has been found that by using the coating method according to the invention it is possible to generate the required and desired surface properties in a new way. In particular it is possible to develop new, partially applicable, thermal flame coating processes using special aqueous treatment solutions developed for this purpose in conjunction with the method according to the invention. The partial thermal (flame) coating procedure described above allows a particularly rapid and energy-saving surface functionalization. In addition, the local flexible introduction of precursor compounds makes it possible to tailor the functional properties by mixing different chemicals. It has also been found surprisingly that by partial thermal (flame) coating it is possible to deposit firmly adhering layers with very good corrosion resistance properties on different substrates, such as, for example, iron, zinc and magnesium. This technique makes it possible to tailor the surface properties of materials in a particularly simple, rapid and cost-effective way. Examples are the setting of the surface energy and surface activation as well as any other chemical and physical changes to the surface.

[0012] In view of good and permanent adhesion of the coating to be applied, according to the invention, preparation of the substrate for coating is advantageously carried out prior to the provision of the substrate to be coated, which preparation comprises cleaning and / or pre-treatment of the substrate, for example high-pressure cleaning using air and / or water pressure. Furthermore, it is possible to apply a coating, for example a primer.

[0013] In view of a fast, stable and durable coating of the substrate, it is possible according to the invention in particular to carry out the coating of the substrate at substrate temperatures between 0° C. and 800° C., preferably between 50° C. and 100° C. For substrates made of aluminum material, temperatures between 100° C. and 200° C. have furthermore proved to be advantageous. The substrate temperature is preferably variable depending on the arrangement of the substrate relative to the heat source, which makes it possible in particular to make the substrate temperature dependent on the proximity of the heat source and the operating method.

[0014] In connection with a particularly finely adjustable control of the coating behavior, the subject-relevant introduction of the precursor compound into the reaction zone of the heat source can preferably be carried out by a distribution device, the precursor compound being preferably introduced directly from the outside into the reaction zone of the heat source, in particular by spraying it by means of a spray nozzle. By distributing and spraying the precursor compound, the turbulent behavior of the flame is preferably prevented, in particular as a result of which a very homogeneous coating is ensured. In addition, such a distribution device can preferably be locally flexible and variably positionable in order to control the coating process as subjectively as possible. The distribution device can be formed in the form of a spray unit, for example a compressed air drive. The subject-relevant precursor compound can preferably be present in solid form, for example suspended in a solvent and can be supplied to the reaction zone of the heat source together with the solvent in a subjective manner. In contrast, it is also basically conceivable that the precursor compound can be present in liquid or gaseous aggregate form and deposited on the substrate.

[0015] In view of the variably controllable coating speed, the subject matter preferably involves the targeted introduction of precursor compounds into the reaction zone of the heat source with the addition of an inert gas, preferably nitrogen and / or argon as inert gas, which in particular reduces the number of precursor compounds in a given volume, which allows easier processing at the expense of a slightly slower coating speed.

[0016] To further expand the scope for setting the desired coating parameters, it is conceivable to carry out the targeted introduction of precursor compounds into the reaction zone of the heat source together with the addition of oxidizing chemicals, preferably ozone or hydrogen peroxide as oxidizing chemicals. Alternatively or additionally, it is also possible to add perborates, percarbonates, persulfates, peroxodisulfates, perchlorates, chlorates, vanadates, chromium oxides or respective organic oxidizing agents such as hydrazine, N-oxide, nitroguanidine or corresponding derivatives.

[0017] In view of expanding the range of desired coating parameters, it is also conceivable to carry out the targeted introduction of the precursor compounds into the reaction zone of the heat source together with the additional addition of further additives, in particular water or colorants. By additionally introducing water, in particular the coating temperature can be targeted. Furthermore, the introduction of colorants can be used, for example, to indicate the coated parts of the substrate. The moisture required for hydrothermal transformation can not only be additionally supplied, but can also come from the combustion itself.

[0018] In view of the high yield of the produced coating additive and in relation to the homogeneous coating, it is also conceivable to introduce precursor compounds having a particle size of less than 20 μm, preferably 5 μm, into the reaction zone of the heat source. When adding water, a corresponding particle size can prevent the cooling of the flame as efficiently as possible. To produce such particle sizes, for example, standard hydraulic spray units can be used, which allow very fine spraying.

[0019] In view of the high yield of the produced coating additive and in connection with the homogeneous coating and the subject-related prevention of flame cooling, it is also possible according to the invention to introduce the precursor compound into the reaction zone of the heat source at a flow rate of less than 1 g / s, preferably less than 0.5 g / s. For this purpose, it is possible to provide, for example, a spray nozzle with a diameter of less than 0.5 mm, preferably less than 0.3 mm.

[0020] In connection with maximum flexibility with regard to the application of the coating to the metal substrate, it is advantageously furthermore possible to carry out the coating of said substrate in the form of a partial coating.

[0021] For maximum flexibility in applying coatings to metal substrates, it is also possible to coat the substrate within the reaction zone of the heat source with the coating additives produced within the reaction zone of the heat source.

[0022] In accordance with the present invention, in connection with the coating of metal substrates that is as flexible and customizable as possible, it is also advantageously possible to introduce precursor compounds in liquid form into the reaction zone of the heat source, the precursor compounds being preferably formed in the form of solid substances dissolved in water (H2O). The precursor compounds can preferably be formed in the form of aqueous compounds or solutions of metal salts or nanoparticles, preferably inorganic compounds or metal-organic compounds of the elements Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, B, All, Ga, In, Si, Ge, Sn, Pb, Sc, Y, La, Ti, Zr, V, Nb, Ta, Cr, Mo, W, Mn, Re, Fe, Ru, Os, Co, Rh, Ir, Ni, Pd, Pt, Cu, Ag, Au, Zn, Cd, N, P, S. In addition, it is also possible to mix the metal salts or nanoparticles. The application in liquid form ensures a particularly precise and customizable distribution and distribution of the precursor compounds. If water is used as a solvent, a particularly environmentally friendly and non-hazardous method of dissolving and applying the precursor compounds is ensured.

[0023] It has further been found that the addition in the form of a non-aqueous solution with a low oxygen content, preferably a halogenated hydrocarbon, in particular a fluorohydrocarbon, particularly preferably an unsaturated hydrocarbon, is also advantageously suitable for forming substoichiometric compounds as metal substrates. Furthermore, such substoichiometric compounds (for example perovskites) can be produced as metal substrates by applying colloidally dissolved nanoparticles. It is understood that it is also conceivable to introduce the precursor compounds in solid or gas form.

[0024] In connection with the simple and cost-effective implementation of the subject-related methods, it is conceivable in particular to carry out the methods at least partially in an automated manner, preferably by means of a coating robot. In connection with the automatable implementation of the present invention, it is understood that the methods can be formed in the form of a computer-implemented method, and that at least a portion of the individual method steps can be automated, in particular carried out by a computer. By means of a coating robot, for example under computer control, it is possible to place a substrate in or near the reaction zone of the heat source and coat it with a coating additive produced in the reaction zone of the heat source via a precursor compound introduced into the reaction zone.

[0025] Furthermore, a metal substrate with an at least partial coating, which can be applied, and in particular has been applied, preferably using the aforementioned method, is also the subject of the present subject matter, comprising a substrate and a coating of coating additive applied to the substrate. The metal substrate according to the present invention thus offers the same advantages as already detailed in connection with the method of the present invention. The at least partial coating deposited on the metal substrate using the method according to the present invention can in principle have a layer thickness in the nanometer to millimeter range, preferably at least 100 nm to 2 mm, in particular 1 to 500 μm.

[0026] In relation to the substrate that can be used for multiple applications, according to the invention, in particular the metal substrate can be made of aluminum and / or iron and / or zinc and / or magnesium material, it being understood that the substrate can also be made of other metallic structural materials, such as, for example, copper or titanium materials.

[0027] Furthermore, in connection with the great flexibility regarding the application of the coating to the metal substrate, the coating can be formed in the form of a partial coating, which is preferably arranged only on partial areas of the surface of the substrate.

[0028] In addition, in connection with a particularly advantageous embodiment of the metal substrate according to the invention, the metal substrate may have at least one adhesive bond and / or at least one elastomeric seal, preferably formed and arranged by direct coating, and the metal substrate is formed as a battery box, in particular for use in electric vehicles. By adhesive bond is understood an adhesive layer which has a particularly strong adhesive force of its own, in particular when producing the substrate using the method according to the invention.

[0029] Furthermore, a coating system for applying a partial coating to a metal substrate, in particular for producing the aforementioned metal substrates, is also the subject of the present invention. The coating system includes a coating chamber for placing the substrate to be coated, a heat source for preparing a reaction zone for producing the coating additive from a precursor compound, and a distributor for introducing the precursor compound into the reaction zone.

[0030] In connection with the conversion of the precursor compounds into effective and purposefully controllable coating additives, in accordance with the invention, a heat source can advantageously be formed in particular in the form of a laser or a burner, in particular an infrared or near infrared burner.

[0031] In connection with a particularly useful implementation, the heat source can be formed in the form of a burner, preferably a single burner, a surface burner (line burner) or a volumetric burner (porous burner). It is understood that in addition to the arrangement of one burner, it is also possible to provide several burners adjacent to each other, which can have the same or different structure. In particular volumetric or porous burners have been found to be particularly suitable, in which the flame burns inside the metal mesh or ceramic sponge. The spraying of the precursor compound is carried out directly from the outside into the metal mesh or ceramic sponge. The heat capacity of the metal mesh or ceramic sponge keeps the temperature of the flame constant, even when the precursor compound is sprayed, so that the flame does not cool down at any time.

[0032] In view of the high yield of the produced coating additive and in conjunction with homogeneous coating and the prevention of thematically related flame cooling, according to the invention the distribution device can also have a spray nozzle for finely distributable introduction of the precursor compound into the reaction zone, the spray nozzle having a diameter of less than 0.5 mm, in particular less than 0.3 mm.

[0033] The use of precursor compounds in the aforementioned methods is also a subject of the present invention, the precursor compounds being formed in the form of aqueous compounds of metal salts or nanoparticles, preferably inorganic compounds or metal-organic compounds of the elements Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, B, All, Ga, In, Si, Ge, Sn, Pb, Sc, Y, La, Ti, Zr, V, Nb, Ta, Cr, Mo, W, Mn, Re, Fe, Ru, Os, Co, Rh, Ir, Ni, Pd, Pt, Cu, Ag, Au, Zn, Cd, N, P, S. The precursor compounds can also be formed, for example, in the form of halogenated hydrocarbons, in particular fluorohydrocarbons. This allows the use according to the present invention to have the same advantages as those already detailed in connection with the method according to the present invention, the at least partially coated substrate according to the present invention as well as the system according to the present invention.

[0034] Further advantages, features and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are described with reference to the drawings. The features of the claims and described herein may be essential to the invention individually or in any combination. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0035] [Figure 1] 2A-2D are schematic diagrams of the individual steps of the method according to the invention for applying a partial coating to a metal substrate according to a first embodiment example. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a coating system according to the invention for applying a partial coating to a metal substrate according to a first example embodiment. [Diagram 3]3 is a schematic diagram of a heat source according to the invention for use in a system according to the invention for applying a partial coating to a metal substrate according to the second and third example embodiments; FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0036] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of the individual steps of a method according to the invention for applying a partial coating 12 to a metal substrate 2 .

[0037] According to the method of the present invention, firstly a preparation 100 of the substrate 2 for the coating 500 thereof is carried out, which preferably comprises cleaning and / or pre-treatment of the metallic substrate 2 .

[0038] Preparation 200 of the substrate 2 to be coated is then performed before introduction 300 of the substrate 2 into the reaction zone 6 of the heat source 4. Introduction of the substrate 2 into the reaction zone 6 of the heat source 4 can include both active placement of the substrate 2 in the reaction zone 6 of the heat source 4 and active placement of the heat source 4 relative to the substrate 2 to introduce the substrate 2 into the reaction zone 6 of the heat source.

[0039] After the introduction 300 of the substrate 2 into the reaction zone 6 of the heat source 4, the method of the present invention involves the targeted introduction 400 of a precursor compound 8 into the reaction zone 6 of the heat source 4 for producing the coating additive 10.

[0040] The targeted introduction 400 of the precursor compound 8 into the reaction zone 6 of the heat source 4 can preferably be carried out by means of a distribution device 24, the precursor compound 8 being preferably introduced directly from the outside into the reaction zone 6 of the heat source 4, in particular sprayed by means of a spray nozzle 28.

[0041] The precursor compound 8 may be introduced into the reaction zone 6 of the heat source 4, for example, in liquid form, or the precursor compound 8 may be formed in the form of a solid material preferably dissolved in water (H2O).

[0042] In addition, the targeted introduction 400 of the precursor compound 8 into the reaction zone 6 of the heat source 4 can alternatively or additionally be carried out with the addition of an inert gas, using nitrogen and / or argon as the inert gas.

[0043] Furthermore, the targeted introduction 400 of the precursor compound 8 into the reaction zone 6 of the heat source 4 can be carried out with the addition of an oxidizing chemical, preferably ozone or hydrogen peroxide.

[0044] It is likewise possible for the targeted introduction 400 of the precursor compound 8 into the reaction zone 6 of the heat source 4 to be carried out with the additional addition of further additives, in particular water or colorants.

[0045] After the targeted introduction 400 of the precursor compound 8 into the reaction zone 6 of the heat source 4, coating 500 of the substrate 2 is performed with the coating additive 10 produced herein in the reaction zone 6 of the heat source 4.

[0046] The coating 500 of the substrate 2 can advantageously be carried out here at a substrate temperature between 0° C. and 800° C., preferably between 50° C. and 100° C., in particular in the form of a partial coating. In addition, the coating 500 of the substrate 2 can be carried out in the reaction zone 6 of the heat source 4 with the coating additive 10 produced in the reaction zone 6 of the heat source 4.

[0047] FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of a coating system 20 according to the invention for applying a partial coating 12 to a metal substrate 2 according to a first example embodiment.

[0048] As can be seen in FIG. 2 , a coating system 20 for applying a partial coating 12 to a metal substrate 2 according to the present invention comprises a coating chamber 22 for positioning the substrate 2 to be coated (herein using a holding element 26), a heat source 4 for providing a reaction zone 6 for producing the coating additive 10 from a precursor compound 8, as well as a distributor 24 for introducing the precursor compound 8 into the reaction zone 6 of the heat source 4.

[0049] The heat source 4 can be in the form of a laser or a burner, in particular an infrared or near infrared burner. In particular, the heat source 4 can be in the form of a single burner, a surface burner or a volumetric burner.

[0050] As can be seen in FIG. 2, the distribution device 24 comprises a spray nozzle 28 for finely distributable introduction of the precursor compound 8 into the reaction zone 6, the spray nozzle 28 having a diameter of less than 0.5 mm, in particular less than 0.3 mm.

[0051] FIG. 3 shows a schematic diagram of a heat source 4 according to the invention for use in a coating system 20 according to the invention for applying a partial coating 12 to a metal substrate 2 according to a second example embodiment (a) and a third example embodiment (b).

[0052] According to a second embodiment (a), the heat source 4 is configured in the form of a piston-type single burner, in which a flame is guided through a burner 34 and exits through an outlet hole 36. The fuel gas required for the generation of the flame is introduced via a fuel gas inlet 32 ​​and additionally combustion air can be supplied via a combustion air inlet 30.

[0053] According to a third embodiment (b), the heat source 4 is formed in the form of a number of adjacently arranged line burners, in which the flame guided through the burner 34 is likewise led out through the outlet hole 36.

[0054] [Example] Examples of suitable precursor compounds: Below are given some specific examples of the compositions of exemplary precursor compounds used in the method according to the invention for applying partial coatings to metal substrates. As can be seen from the pH values ​​mentioned, the precursor compounds are present here in the form of aqueous solutions. It is understood that other solvents can be used as solvents instead of water.

[0055] [Solvent 1 (solvent H2O)] 1.5g / l H2ZrF6 0.4g / l SiO2 nanoparticles pH 4.7

[0056] [Solvent 2 (solvent H2O)] 2g / l H2TiF6 0.5g / l polyacrylic acid pH 4.2

[0057] [Solvent 3 (solvent H2O)] 40g / l sodium silicate 0.5g / l Ammonium metavanadate 5g / l polyisocyanate 0.1g / l organic corrosion inhibitor pH 11.0

[0058] [Solvent 4 (solvent H2O)] 3.5g / l H2ZrF6 10g / l Cr(NO3)3 pH 2.8

[0059] [Solvent 5 (solvent H2O)] 5g / l H2ZrF6 10g / l Cr(NO3)3 pH 3.6

[0060] [Solvent 6 (solvent H2O)] 1.0g / l H2ZrF6 0.06g / l H3PO4 0.5g / l Maleic acid-acrylic acid copolymer pH 3.8 [Explanation of symbols]

[0061] 2 Metal Substrate 4 Heat source 6 Reaction Area 8 Precursor compounds 10 Coating Additives 12 Partial Coating 20 Coating System 22 Coating chamber 24 Distribution device 26 Retention elements 28 Spray nozzle 30 Combustion air inlet 32 Fuel gas inlet 34 Burner 36 Exit hole

Claims

1. A method for applying a partial coating (12) to a metal substrate (2), comprising the steps of: - providing (200) said metal substrate (2) to be coated, - introducing (300) said metal substrate (2) into a reaction zone (6) of a heat source (4); - purposefully introducing (400) a precursor compound (8) into said reaction zone (6) of said heat source (4) to produce a coating additive (10); - coating (500) said metal substrate (2) with said coating additive (10) produced in said reaction zone (6) of said heat source (4).

2. 2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that a preparation (100) of the metal substrate (2) for coating (500) is carried out prior to the preparation (200) of the metal substrate (2) to be coated, said preparation (100) comprising cleaning and / or pretreatment of the metal substrate (2).

3. 3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the coating (500) of the metal substrate (2) is carried out at a metal substrate temperature between 0°C and 800°C, preferably between 50°C and 100°C.

4. 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the targeted introduction (400) of the precursor compound (8) into the reaction zone (6) of the heat source (4) is carried out by means of a distribution device (24), the precursor compound (8) being preferably introduced directly from the outside into the reaction zone (6) of the heat source (4), in particular being sprayed by means of a spray nozzle (28).

5. 5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the targeted introduction (400) of the precursor compound (8) into the reaction zone (6) of the heat source (4) is carried out with the addition of an inert gas, preferably nitrogen and / or argon being used as said inert gas.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the targeted introduction (400) of the precursor compound (8) into the reaction zone (6) of the heat source (4) is carried out with the addition of an oxidizing chemical, preferably using ozone or hydrogen peroxide as oxidizing chemical.

7. 7. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the targeted introduction (400) of the precursor compound (8) into the reaction zone (6) of the heat source (4) is carried out together with the additional addition of further additives, in particular water or colorants.

8. 8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the precursor compound (8) is introduced into the reaction zone (6) of the heat source (4) in a particle size of less than 20 μm, preferably 5 μm.

9. 9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the precursor compound (8) is introduced into the reaction zone (6) of the heat source (4) at a flow rate of less than 1 g / s, preferably less than 0.5 g / s.

10. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the coating (500) of the metal substrate (2) is performed in the form of a partial coating.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the coating (500) of the metal substrate (2) is carried out in the reaction zone (6) of the heat source (4) with the coating additive (10) produced in the reaction zone (6) of the heat source (4).

12. 12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the precursor compound (8) is introduced into the reaction zone (6) of the heat source (4) in liquid form, the precursor compound (8) being preferably formed in the form of a solid substance dissolved in water.

13. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the method is at least partly carried out automated, in particular by means of a coating robot.

14. A metal substrate (2) having an at least partial coating (12), which is preferably coatable by means of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 13, in particular applied by means of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 13, said metal substrate (2); - said partial coating (12) consisting of a coating additive (10) applied to said metal substrate (2); A metal substrate (2) comprising:

15. The metal substrate (2) according to claim 14, characterized in that the metal substrate (2) is formed using at least one of the following materials: aluminum material, iron material, zinc material, magnesium material.

16. 16. Metal substrate (2) according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that the coating (12) is formed in the form of a partial coating which is arranged only in partial areas on the surface of the metal substrate (2).

17. The metal substrate (2) according to any one of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that the metal substrate (2) has at least one adhesive bond and / or at least one elastomeric seal, which adhesive bond and / or the elastomeric seal are preferably arranged directly on the partial coating (12), and the metal substrate (2) is formed as a battery box, in particular for use in electric vehicles.

18. A coating system (20) for applying a partial coating (12) to a metal substrate (2), in particular for producing a metal substrate (2) according to any one of claims 14 to 17, comprising: - a coating chamber (22) for placing said metal substrate (2) to be coated, - a heat source (4) for providing a reaction zone (6) for producing a coating additive (10) from a precursor compound (8); - a distribution device (24) for introducing said precursor compound (8) into said reaction zone (6) of said heat source (4); A coating system (20) comprising:

19. 19. Coating system (20) according to claim 18, characterized in that the heat source (4) is formed in the form of a laser or a burner, in particular an infrared burner or a near infrared burner.

20. 19. Coating system (20) according to claim 18, characterized in that the heat source (4) is formed in the form of a burner, preferably a single burner, a surface burner or a volumetric burner.

21. 21. Coating system (20) according to any one of claims 18 to 20, characterized in that the distributor (24) comprises a spray nozzle (28) for a finely distributable introduction of the precursor compound (8) into the reaction zone (6), the spray nozzle (28) having a diameter of less than 0.5 mm, in particular less than 0.3 mm.

22. Use of a precursor compound (8) in the method according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the precursor compound (8) is formed in the form of a metal salt or aqueous compound of the nanoparticles, preferably an inorganic compound or a metal-organic compound of the elements Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, B, All, Ga, In, Si, Ge, Sn, Pb, Sc, Y, La, Ti, Zr, V, Nb, Ta, Cr, Mo, W, Mn, Re, Fe, Ru, Os, Co, Rh, Ir, Ni, Pd, Pt, Cu, Ag, Au, Zn, Cd, N, P, S.

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