Modern Methods of Shaping the Structure and Properties of Coatings

A special issue of Coatings (ISSN 2079-6412). This special issue belongs to the section "Surface Characterization, Deposition and Modification".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 June 2025 | Viewed by 14084

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Department of Logistics and Management Engineering, Institute of Applied Sciences, WSB University in Poznan, 29 Sportowa Str., 41-506 Chorzow, Poland
Interests: production engineering; manufacturing processes; materials engineering; materials characterisation; welding
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Department of Welding Engineering, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Silesian University of Technology, Konarskiego 18A Str., 44-100 Gliwice, Poland
Interests: laser surface engineering; laser material processing; welding; coatings; the additive manufacturing of metal parts
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are pleased to invite you to contribute to the Special Issue “Modern Methods of Shaping the Structure and Properties of Coatings".

Constant striving to increase the energy efficiency of machines, devices and processes and reduce energy consumption and emissions leads to the development of new materials with enhanced mechanical properties. Surface treatment is one way to enhance the mechanical properties and wear characteristics of metals and their alloys.

This Special Issue aims to cover broad aspects of science, technology, applications of surface treatment methods, as well as characterisation of surface layers.

Original research articles and reviews are welcome. Potential topics may include (but are not limited to):

  • Study on technologies of surface treatment.
  • Designing and shaping the properties of surface layers.
  • Study of tribological characteristics of surface layers.
  • Characterisation of surface layers (microstructure and properties).
  • Study of wear mechanisms of surface layers (abrasion, erosion, cavitation, etc.).

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Agnieszka Kurc-Lisiecka
Prof. Dr. Aleksander Lisiecki
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Coatings is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • surface treatment
  • surface layer
  • tribology
  • cladding
  • surfacing
  • hardening
  • coating
  • alloying
  • wear resistance
  • corrosion resistance

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Published Papers (10 papers)

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Research

11 pages, 7947 KiB  
Article
Effect of Electrofriction Treatment on Microstructure, Corrosion Resistance and Wear Resistance of Cladding Coatings
by Zhuldyz Sagdoldina, Daryn Baizhan, Laila Sulyubayeva, Nurbol Berdimuratov, Dastan Buitkenov and Sanzhar Bolatov
Coatings 2024, 14(11), 1433; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings14111433 - 11 Nov 2024
Viewed by 438
Abstract
In recent years, the issue of increasing the wear resistance of the working bodies of agricultural machinery designed for cutting and breaking the soil has received special attention. The surface layers of working bodies of agricultural machinery during operation are subjected to intensive [...] Read more.
In recent years, the issue of increasing the wear resistance of the working bodies of agricultural machinery designed for cutting and breaking the soil has received special attention. The surface layers of working bodies of agricultural machinery during operation are subjected to intensive abrasive wear, which leads to rapid wear of equipment and a reduction in its service life. The induction cladding method using materials such as Sormait-1 is widely used to increase the wear resistance of tool working surfaces. However, after coating, additional heat treatment is required to improve the physical and mechanical properties of the material and increase its durability. In electrofriction technology (EFT) hardening, the surfaces of the parts are subjected to melting under the influence of electric arcs. In this work, three types of surface treatment of L53 steel have been investigated: induction cladding using Sormait-1, electrofriction treatment, and a combination of induction cladding followed by electrofriction treatment. The microstructure was analyzed using optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Erosion and abrasion tests were carried out in accordance with ASTM G65 and ASTM G76-04 international standards to evaluate the wear resistance of the materials under mechanical stress. A dendritic structure was formed after the induction cladding of the Sormait-1 material, but subsequent electrofriction treatment resulted in a reduction of this dendritic structure, which contributed to an increase in the hardness of the material. However, the highest hardness, reaching 965 HV, was recorded after electrofriction treatment of L53 steel. This is explained by needle martensite in the structure, which is formed as a result of quenching. Further, the influence of structural characteristics and hardness on erosion and abrasion wear resistance was examined. The analysis showed that the material microstructure and hardness have a decisive influence on the improvement of wear resistance, especially under conditions of intensive erosion and abrasive friction. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modern Methods of Shaping the Structure and Properties of Coatings)
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16 pages, 2719 KiB  
Article
Physical-Vapor-Deposition-Coated Natural Rocks as Sustainable Cutting Material: First Insights into the Effect of Substrate Integrity on Properties of TiN Thin Film
by Hilke Petersen, Dominic Graf, Nelson Filipe Lopes Dias, Wolfgang Tillmann, Philipp Dan Hendrik Wolters, Benjamin Bergmann and Bernd Breidenstein
Coatings 2024, 14(10), 1333; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings14101333 - 17 Oct 2024
Viewed by 583
Abstract
The most important cutting materials for machining are carbides. Their production requires both tungsten and cobalt; however, these materials are becoming increasingly difficult to obtain and are sometimes mined under ethically questionable conditions. As a result, increasing efforts are being made to expand [...] Read more.
The most important cutting materials for machining are carbides. Their production requires both tungsten and cobalt; however, these materials are becoming increasingly difficult to obtain and are sometimes mined under ethically questionable conditions. As a result, increasing efforts are being made to expand the range of cutting materials. The basic suitability of natural rocks for cutting tools in less demanding processes has already been demonstrated. PVD coating of the natural rocks could improve their performance. The adhesion mechanisms in TiN-coated natural rock samples are discussed below. The TiN thin film is characterized in depth. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modern Methods of Shaping the Structure and Properties of Coatings)
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15 pages, 24803 KiB  
Article
Quality of Zinc Coating Formed on Structural Steel by Hot-Dip Galvanizing after Surface Contamination
by Jiřina Vontorová, Petr Mohyla and Kateřina Kreislová
Coatings 2024, 14(4), 493; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings14040493 - 17 Apr 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1610
Abstract
This paper deals with the evaluation of the surface of structural steel whose samples were deliberately contaminated with transparent spray primer, adhesive label glue, and welding sprays prior to hot-dip galvanizing. The galvanized samples were studied by optical microscopy, GDOES, adhesion tests, and [...] Read more.
This paper deals with the evaluation of the surface of structural steel whose samples were deliberately contaminated with transparent spray primer, adhesive label glue, and welding sprays prior to hot-dip galvanizing. The galvanized samples were studied by optical microscopy, GDOES, adhesion tests, and condensation humidity tests. The effect of surface contamination on the quality of the zinc coating was found to be significant. In some cases, the zinc coating is damaged (after contamination with welding sprays), in others, it is completely absent (after contamination with spray primer or adhesive label glue). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modern Methods of Shaping the Structure and Properties of Coatings)
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13 pages, 6534 KiB  
Article
Simulation of TiN/Ti Multilayer Coating under the Impact of Multiple Particles Based on Cohesive Element
by Zhanwei Yuan, Wenlong Shi, Guangyu He, Yan Chai, Zhufang Yang and Min Guo
Coatings 2024, 14(4), 470; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings14040470 - 12 Apr 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 863
Abstract
In order to investigate the damage behavior of TiN/Ti multilayer coating under multi-particle impact and the influence of impact angle on erosion resistance, the ABAQUS 2019 software and the cohesive element technology were used for simulation. The results showed that, during the impact [...] Read more.
In order to investigate the damage behavior of TiN/Ti multilayer coating under multi-particle impact and the influence of impact angle on erosion resistance, the ABAQUS 2019 software and the cohesive element technology were used for simulation. The results showed that, during the impact process, the upper surface of the TiN layer that was directly below the impact center was mainly subjected to compressive stress, while the lower surface was subjected to tensile stress. At the impact contact edge, tensile stress appeared on the upper surface of the TiN layer, while compressive stress appeared on the lower surface. The increase in the number of impacts leads to an increase in the maximum S11 stress inside the coating and the maximum displacement of the impact center during the impact process. The plastic damage was greater at the locations with higher strain in the Ti sublayer. During the impact process, severe damage occurred in both the top TiN layer and interface areas, and material failure occurred in the impact area. The increase in impact angle leads to an increase in the plastic strain energy of the entire model after the impact and the maximum S11 stress inside the coating during the impact process. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modern Methods of Shaping the Structure and Properties of Coatings)
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18 pages, 6548 KiB  
Article
Dual Microcapsules Encapsulating Liquid Diamine and Isocyanate for Application in Self-Healing Coatings
by Huaixuan Mu, Yiqing Deng, Wangcai Zou, Xiandi Yang and Qiang Zhao
Coatings 2024, 14(4), 410; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings14040410 - 29 Mar 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1049
Abstract
Dual microcapsule systems, especially those based on the polyurea matrix, have emerged as pivotal components driving innovation in self-healing materials, thanks to the intrinsic properties of polyurea, primarily diamine and diisocyanate, rendering it an optimal choice for enhancing self-healing coatings. However, the encapsulation [...] Read more.
Dual microcapsule systems, especially those based on the polyurea matrix, have emerged as pivotal components driving innovation in self-healing materials, thanks to the intrinsic properties of polyurea, primarily diamine and diisocyanate, rendering it an optimal choice for enhancing self-healing coatings. However, the encapsulation of polyurea components is fraught with substantial technical hurdles. Addressing these challenges, a novel methodology has been devised, leveraging n-heptane as a solvent in the liquid diamine emulsion process to facilitate the synthesis of diamine microcapsules. These microcapsules exhibit a uniform spherical morphology and a robust shell structure, with an encapsulated core material ratio reaching 39.69%. Analogously, the encapsulation process for diisocyanate has been refined, achieving a core material percentage of 10.05 wt. %. The integration of this bifunctional microcapsule system into diverse polymeric matrices, including epoxy resins and polyurethanes, has been demonstrated to significantly enhance the self-healing efficacy of the resultant coatings. Empirical validation through a series of tests, encompassing scratch, abrasion, and saltwater immersion assays, has revealed self-healing efficiencies of 21.8% and 33.3%, respectively. These results indicate significant improvements in the durability and self-repair capability of coatings, marking a notable advancement in self-healing materials with promising potential for tailored applications in automotive, aerospace, and construction industries. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modern Methods of Shaping the Structure and Properties of Coatings)
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24 pages, 8097 KiB  
Article
CoCrFeMnNi0.8V/Cr3C2-Ni20Cr High-Entropy Alloy Composite Thermal Spray Coating: Comparison with Monolithic CoCrFeMnNi0.8V and Cr3C2-Ni20Cr Coatings
by Stavros Kiape, Maria Glava, Emmanuel Georgatis, Spyros Kamnis, Theodore E. Matikas and Alexandros E. Karantzalis
Coatings 2024, 14(4), 402; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings14040402 - 28 Mar 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1349
Abstract
High-entropy alloys (HEAs) are revolutionizing the field of surface engineering, challenging traditional alloy frameworks with their superior mechanical attributes and resistance to corrosion. This investigation delves into the properties of the CoCrFeMnNi0.8V HEAs, both as a standalone material and when blended [...] Read more.
High-entropy alloys (HEAs) are revolutionizing the field of surface engineering, challenging traditional alloy frameworks with their superior mechanical attributes and resistance to corrosion. This investigation delves into the properties of the CoCrFeMnNi0.8V HEAs, both as a standalone material and when blended with Cr3C2-Ni20Cr, to evaluate their efficacy as cutting-edge surface treatments. The addition of vanadium to the CoCrFeMnNi0.8V alloy results in a distinctive microstructure that improves hardness and resistance to abrasion. The incorporation of Cr3C2-Ni20Cr particles enhances the alloy’s toughness and longevity. Employing high-velocity oxy-fuel (HVOF) thermal spray methods, these coatings are deposited onto steel substrates and undergo detailed evaluations of their microstructural characteristics, abrasion, and corrosion resistance. Findings reveal the CoCrFeMnNi0.8V coating’s exceptional ability to withstand corrosion, especially in environments rich in chlorides. The hybrid coating benefits from the combination of the HEA’s inherent corrosion resistance and the enhanced wear and corrosion resistance provided by Cr3C2-Ni20Cr, delivering comprehensive performance for high-stress applications. Through the fine-tuning of the application process, the Cr3C2-Ni20Cr reinforced high-entropy alloy coating emerges as a significant advancement in protective surface technology, particularly for use in marine and corrosive settings. This study not only highlights the adaptability of HEAs in surface engineering but also prompts further investigation into innovative material pairings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modern Methods of Shaping the Structure and Properties of Coatings)
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13 pages, 101040 KiB  
Article
Effect of the Shielding Gas and Heat Treatment in Inconel 625 Coatings Deposited by GMAW Process
by Eliane Alves Kihara, Henara Lillian Costa and Demostenes Ferreira Filho
Coatings 2024, 14(4), 396; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings14040396 - 28 Mar 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1378
Abstract
Friction, wear, and corrosion of engineering components operating in harsh environments can be substantially improved by applying hard, corrosion-resistant coatings to prolong their useful lives. Nickel superalloys are particularly relevant due to their excellent mechanical properties and corrosion resistance at elevated temperatures. Among [...] Read more.
Friction, wear, and corrosion of engineering components operating in harsh environments can be substantially improved by applying hard, corrosion-resistant coatings to prolong their useful lives. Nickel superalloys are particularly relevant due to their excellent mechanical properties and corrosion resistance at elevated temperatures. Among the various coating techniques, arc welding processes are suitable due to their good deposition rate and reliability. This work aimed to evaluate the effect of the shielding gas and after-deposition heat treatment on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Inconel 625 coatings deposited by the GMAW process. The coatings were deposited onto carbon steel plates using two mixtures of shielding gases (Ar+25%CO2 and Ar+25%He) without interpass temperature control. The specimens were analyzed both as welded and after heat treatment (heating for 1 h at 1000 °C and air cooling) using Vickers hardness tests, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and wavelength dispersion spectrometry (WDS). The coatings that used Ar+25%He-shielding gas were harder and showed more precipitate formation, which was associated with the higher cooling rates involved. As for the heat treatment, it led to a reduction in the segregation of the alloying elements in the interdendritic region via diffusion and a reduction in surface hardness. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modern Methods of Shaping the Structure and Properties of Coatings)
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16 pages, 4089 KiB  
Article
Effect of Ultrasonic Vibration on Microstructure and Antifouling Capability of Cu-Modified TiO2 Coating Produced by Micro-Arc Oxidation
by Pengfei Hu, Liyang Zhu, Jiejun Liu, You Lv, Guangyi Cai and Xinxin Zhang
Coatings 2024, 14(4), 376; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings14040376 - 22 Mar 2024
Viewed by 1145
Abstract
Ti and its alloys have received wide attention in marine engineering. However, the limited anti-biofouling capability may hinder their wide application. In the present work, micro-arc oxidation (MAO) with and without the introduction of ultrasonic vibration (UV) has been conducted on metallic Ti [...] Read more.
Ti and its alloys have received wide attention in marine engineering. However, the limited anti-biofouling capability may hinder their wide application. In the present work, micro-arc oxidation (MAO) with and without the introduction of ultrasonic vibration (UV) has been conducted on metallic Ti substrate in an aqueous solution containing Na2Cu-EDTA to produce a Cu-modified TiO2 coating. Microstructural characterization reveals that the introduction of UV increased the thickness of the coating (ranging from ~13.5 μm to ~26.2 μm) compared to the coating (ranging from ~8.1 μm to ~12.8 μm) without UV. A relatively higher Cu content (~2.13 wt.%) of the coating with UV relative to the coating (~1.39 wt.%) without UV indicates that UV enhances the incorporation of Cu into TiO2. Further, both electrochemical properties and the response to sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) were evaluated, revealing that UV introduction endows Cu-modified TiO2 coating with enhanced corrosion resistance and antifouling capability. The present results suggest that ultrasound-auxiliary micro-arc oxidation (UMAO) obviously enhances the surface performance of Ti alloys for promising applications in marine engineering. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modern Methods of Shaping the Structure and Properties of Coatings)
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22 pages, 11896 KiB  
Article
Study on the Self-Repairing Effect of Nanoclay in Powder Coatings for Corrosion Protection
by Marshall Shuai Yang, Jinbao Huang, Hui Zhang, James Joseph Noël, Yolanda Susanne Hedberg, Jian Chen, Ubong Eduok, Ivan Barker, Jeffrey Daniel Henderson, Chengqian Xian, Haiping Zhang and Jesse Zhu
Coatings 2023, 13(7), 1220; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings13071220 - 7 Jul 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2504
Abstract
Powder coatings are a promising, solvent-free alternative to traditional liquid coatings due to the superior corrosion protection they provide. This study investigates the effects of incorporating montmorillonite-based nanoclay additives with different particle sizes into polyester/triglycidyl isocyanurate (polyester/TGIC) powder coatings. The objective is to [...] Read more.
Powder coatings are a promising, solvent-free alternative to traditional liquid coatings due to the superior corrosion protection they provide. This study investigates the effects of incorporating montmorillonite-based nanoclay additives with different particle sizes into polyester/triglycidyl isocyanurate (polyester/TGIC) powder coatings. The objective is to enhance the corrosion-protective function of the coatings while addressing the limitations of commonly employed epoxy-based coating systems that exhibit inferior UV resistance. The anti-corrosive and surface qualities of the coatings were evaluated via neutral salt spray tests, electrochemical measurements, and surface analytical techniques. Results show that the nanoclay with a larger particle size of 18.38 µm (D50, V) exhibits a better barrier effect at a lower dosage of 4%, while a high dosage leads to severe defects in the coating film. Interestingly, the coating capacitance is found, via electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, to decrease during the immersion test, indicating a self-repairing capability of the nanoclay, arising from its swelling and expansion. Neutral salt spray tests suggest an optimal nanoclay dosage of 2%, with the smaller particle size (8.64 µm, D50, V) nanoclay providing protection for 1.5 times as many salt spray hours as the nanoclay with a larger particle size. Overall, incorporating montmorillonite-based nanoclay additives is suggested to be a cost-effective approach for significantly enhancing the anti-corrosive function of powder coatings, expanding their application to outdoor environments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modern Methods of Shaping the Structure and Properties of Coatings)
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16 pages, 10483 KiB  
Article
Microstructural Evaluation of Thermal-Sprayed CoCrFeMnNi0.8V High-Entropy Alloy Coatings
by Athanasios K. Sfikas, Spyros Kamnis, Martin C. H. Tse, Katerina A. Christofidou, Sergio Gonzalez, Alexandros E. Karantzalis and Emmanuel Georgatis
Coatings 2023, 13(6), 1004; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings13061004 - 28 May 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2385
Abstract
The aim of this work is to improve the understanding of the effect of the cooling rate on the microstructure of high-entropy alloys, with a focus on high-entropy alloy coatings, by using a combined computational and experimental validation approach. CoCrFeMnNi0.8V coatings [...] Read more.
The aim of this work is to improve the understanding of the effect of the cooling rate on the microstructure of high-entropy alloys, with a focus on high-entropy alloy coatings, by using a combined computational and experimental validation approach. CoCrFeMnNi0.8V coatings were deposited on a steel substrate with high velocity oxy-air-fuel spray with the employment of three different deposition temperatures. The microstructures of the coatings were studied and compared with the microstructure of the equivalent bulk high-entropy alloy fabricated by suction casting and powder fabricated by gas atomization. According to the results, the powder and the coatings deposited by low and medium temperatures consisted of a BCC microstructure. On the other hand, the microstructure of the coating deposited by high temperature was more complex, consisting of different phases, including BCC, FCC and oxides. The phase constitution of the bulk high-entropy alloy included an FCC phase and sigma. This variation in the microstructural outcome was assessed in terms of solidification rate, and the results were compared with Thermo-Calc modelling. The microstructure can be tuned by the employment of rapid solidification techniques such as gas atomization, as well as subsequent processing such as high velocity oxy-air-fuel spray with the use of different spray parameters, leading to a variety of microstructural outcomes. This approach is of high interest for the field of high-entropy alloy coatings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modern Methods of Shaping the Structure and Properties of Coatings)
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