Properties Of Coatings Research Articles

Evaluation of Fe Content on the Fluidity of A356 Aluminum Alloy by New Fluidity Index

AbstractElements that are deliberately added to aluminum alloys or are incorporated into the alloy later depending on the production process affect the final product properties. In addition, liquid metal cleaning is important in minimizing undesirable elements. Considering the production process, one of the most harmful impurities that is likely to pass into the alloy via diffusion for aluminum is the element, Fe. It is known that this is due to the fact that although Fe is highly soluble in liquid aluminum and its alloys, it has very little solubility in solids. Depending on the Fe content, mechanical properties, porosity and fluidity properties are affected in aluminum alloys. In this study, stainless and carbon steel rods were dipped into the melt at 700 °C and 750 °C for 1, 2 and 5 h. Castings were performed before and after degassing. Four-channel fluidity mold with different section thickness was used in the trials. Additionally, microstructure characterization was performed under varying casting conditions. Fluidity Index was proposed which is a single value measured from all fluidity values in different sections. When the results were examined, it was determined that the diffusion material, holding time, casting temperature and liquid metal cleanliness had an effect on the fluidity. Due to the increase in diffusion time, a decrease in fluidity was observed in both carbon steel and stainless steel. It was found that fluidity was significantly reduced when using stainless steel.

Duplex surface engineering of cold spray Ti coatings and physical vapor-deposited TiN and AlTiN thin films

The feasibility of a duplex coating based on cold spray technology and magnetron sputtering was evaluated for repair applications requiring a ‘thin-on-thick’ layered structure. Commercially pure angular-shaped Ti grade 4 particles are fed to a cold spray gun and accelerated toward a Ti alloy substrate to deposit thick coatings (∼4.5 mm). TiN and AlTiN thin films are deposited on polished cold spray coatings using a four-source closed-field unbalanced magnetron sputtering (CFUBMS) system. Microstructure was characterized using focused ion beam (FIB) lift-out, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and electron channeling contrast imaging (ECCI). The nanoindentation technique was used to evaluate the mechanical properties of coatings. The H/E ratios and H3/E2 ratios for TiN films were found to be 0.098 and 0.26 GPa, respectively, while those for AlTiN films were measured at 0.066 and 0.052 GPa, respectively, suggesting higher capacity of TiN films to withstand both elastic and plastic deformation. Using scratch testing, the adhesion of TiN and AlTiN thin films to cold spray Ti was investigated, with TiN-Ti duplex coatings exhibiting better performance compared to AlTiN-Ti coatings. Tribological testing was performed on duplex coatings using a reciprocating tribometer equipped with an alumina ball counterface. The wear rate for AlTiN-Ti coatings after 2000 sliding cycles was found to be (1.0 × 10−3 ± 0.1 × 10−3 mm3/Nm), three orders of magnitudes higher than that for TiN-Ti (8 × 10−6 ± 2 × 10−6 mm3/Nm. SEM was used to reveal worn surface morphologies and cross-sectional analysis of the wear track. Subsurface microstructural changes due to wear were examined using focused ion beam cross-sectioning, revealing bending cracks and tribofilm formation.

Synthesis of Cs3Cu2I5 Nanocrystals in a Continuous Flow System.

Achieving the goal of generating all of the world's energy via renewable sources and significantly reducing the energy usage will require the development of novel, abundant, nontoxic energy conversion materials. Here, a cost-efficient and scalable continuous flow synthesis of Cs3Cu2I5 nanocrystals is developed as a basis for the rapid advancement of novel nanomaterials. Ideal precursor solutions are obtained through a novel batch synthesis, whose product served as a benchmark for the subsequent flow synthesis. Realizing this setup enabled a reproducible fabrication of Cs3Cu2I5 nanocrystals. The effect of volumetric flow rate and temperature on the final product's morphology and optical properties are determined, obtaining 21% quantum yield with the optimal configuration. Consequently, the size and morphology of the nanocrystals can be tuned with far more precision and in a much broader range than previously achievable. The flow setup is readily applicable to other relevant nanomaterials. It should enable a rapid determination of a material's potential and subsequently optimize its desired properties for renewable energy generation or efficient optoelectronics.

On the structure and icosahedral interconnectivity in Tantalum monatomic glass produced under pressure

Proper processing of bulk metallic glasses (BMGs) under pressure is a promising approach to tailor their properties. However, to fully understand how pressure processing affect the final glass properties, a clearer understanding of how the pressure affects the structure of the glass at both short- and medium range levels is required. Accordingly, using molecular dynamics simulations, we study the effect of cooling under pressure on the local structure and the medium-range connectivity in a model Tantalum monatomic metallic glass. Crystalline grains form in the Ta sample with increasing the pressure under which the sample was cooled. These observations were confirmed by decreasing the fivefold symmetry with increasing pressure. The connectivity type between the perfect icosahedra was determined and showed that when cooled under pressure, intercross sharing is favored in the higher pressure. This work gives insights into understanding local structural changes induced by the pressure in metallic glasses.

Effect of Electrolyte Composition on the Structure and Tribological Properties of Ceramic Coatings Obtained by Micro-Arc Oxidation

Effect of Electrolyte Composition on the Structure and Tribological Properties of Ceramic Coatings Obtained by Micro-Arc Oxidation

Optical and electrophysical properties of nitride TiAlSiN and carbonitride TiAlSiCN coatings: influence of reactive magnetron deposition regimes

The development of thin-film thermal control coatings for small spacecraft is relevant. Coatings based on titanium nitride are capable of functioning in unfavorable conditions of near and deep space, due to their high resistance to the irradiation by high-energy particles. Using the reactive magnetron sputtering method, the nanostructured TiAlSiN and TiAlSiCN coatings were formed on the substrates of silicon oxide (SiO2), glass-ceramic CT-1 and single-crystalline silicon (Si(100)). A study of the electrophysical and optical properties of the formed coatings was carried out. The deposited coatings demonstrate a good reflectivity in the infrared range of spectrum (700–2000 nm), what is important for reducing the overheating of the spacecraft (SC) under the influence of the direct sunlight. In the visible range of spectrum (400–700 nm), a low level of total Rtotal reflection is observed. This is promising for satellites designed to observe the Earth’s surface. The values of solar absorption coefficients αs, emissivity coefficients ε0, ratios αs/ε0, as well as the equilibrium temperature Tр for the samples under study were obtained. The values of resistivity ρ and surface resistance R□, electron concentration N and electron mobility μ were determined. It has been discovered that TiAlSiN, TiAlSiCN films are electrically conductive: ρTiAlSiN = (92÷4260) ∙ 10–7 Ω ∙ m, ρTiAlSiCN = (51÷2360) ∙ 10–7 Ω ∙ m. It has been found that adding carbon to the coating composition reduces the resistance. The obtained nanostructured coatings of TiAlSiN nitride and TiAlSiCN carbonitride can be used as temperature control coatings for small spacecrafts.

The effect of LaSi2 content on the powder characteristics and coating structure of ZrB2-SiC

To investigate the effect of LaSi2 content on the properties of ZrB2-SiC composite powder and coatings, different amounts of LaSi2 were added to the ZrB2-SiC system. The composite powders were prepared using the induction plasma spheroidization process, and the coatings were fabricated using atmospheric plasma spraying. Results showed that LaSi2 significantly improves the density of both the powder and the coatings. As LaSi2 content increase to 15 vol%, the density of the powders increases to 2.75 g/cm3 and the porosity of the coatings decreases to 6.92 %. Our results suggest that LaSi2 can fully melt in the plasma jet field and act as a sealing phase to heal pores, thereby improving the performance of both the powders and subsequently, the coatings.

Morphology Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Fe25/WC/TiC Coating and Abrasive Wear Properties Under Dry/Wet Sand Conditions

Morphology Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Fe25/WC/TiC Coating and Abrasive Wear Properties Under Dry/Wet Sand Conditions

Direct Reactive Extrusion of PLA in the Presence of a Multifunctional Chain Extender

The environmental impact of non-renewable, fossil fuel-based polymers has led to growing interest in sustainable alternatives such as Poly(lactic acid) (PLA). PLA is biodegradable and suitable for packaging application, however due to limited number of efforts to effectively recycle PLAs, its disposal still contributes to the plastic pollution problem. In general, plastic recycling methods could be categorized into three main groups: (i) incineration for energy generation, (ii) chemical recycling, and (iii) mechanical recycling. Among those strategies, mechanical recycling would be the optimal choice due to its applicability to current plastic production lines. However, limited thermal stability of PLA during melt mixing make its mechanical recycling challenging. This study explores the direct use of ketene-based chain extenders in the melt mixing step without any pre-treatments to enhance PLA's properties during thermal recycling. Those ketene-based chain extenders could increase the molecular weight and hence melt viscosity of PLA by reacting its hydroxyl and carboxylic acid end groups. For this purpose, copolymers of styrene, methyl methacrylate and 2,2,5-trimethyl-5-(4-vinylbenzyl)-1,3-dioxane-4,6-dione (MA) were synthesized and directly melt mixed with PLA in micro compounder at 210 °C for 3 mins. Final molecular weights and thermal properties of PLAs were analyzed through GPC and DSC analyses.

New Fe3O4-Based Coatings with Enhanced Anti-Biofilm Activity for Medical Devices

With the increasing use of invasive, interventional, indwelling, and implanted medical devices, healthcare-associated infections caused by pathogenic biofilms have become a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Herein, we present the fabrication, characterization, and in vitro evaluation of biocompatibility and anti-biofilm properties of new coatings based on Fe3O4 nanoparticles (NPs) loaded with usnic acid (UA) and ceftriaxone (CEF). Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) was employed as a stabilizer and modulator of the polarity, dispersibility, shape, and anti-biofilm properties of the magnetite nanoparticles. The resulting Fe3O4 functionalized NPs, namely Fe3O4@SLS, Fe3O4@SLS/UA, and Fe3O4@SLS/CEF, respectively, were prepared by co-precipitation method and fully characterized by XRD, TEM, SAED, SEM, FTIR, and TGA. They were further used to produce nanostructured coatings by matrix-assisted pulsed laser evaporation (MAPLE) technique. The biocompatibility of the coatings was assessed by measuring the cell viability, lactate dehydrogenase release, and nitric oxide level in the culture medium and by evaluating the actin cytoskeleton morphology of murine pre-osteoblasts. All prepared nanostructured coatings exhibited good biocompatibility. Biofilm growth inhibition ability was tested at 24 h and 48 h against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa as representative models for Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The coatings demonstrated good biocompatibility, promoting osteoblast adhesion, migration, and growth without significant impact on cell viability or morphology, highlighting their potential for developing safe and effective antibacterial surfaces.

New Fe3O4-Based Coatings with Enhanced Anti-Biofilm Activity for Medical Devices

With the increasing use of invasive, interventional, indwelling, and implanted medical devices, healthcare-associated infections caused by pathogenic biofilms have become a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Herein, we present the fabrication, characterization, and in vitro evaluation of biocompatibility and anti-biofilm properties of new coatings based on Fe3O4 nanoparticles (NPs) loaded with usnic acid (UA) and ceftriaxone (CEF). Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) was employed as a stabilizer and modulator of the polarity, dispersibility, shape, and anti-biofilm properties of the magnetite nanoparticles. The resulting Fe3O4 functionalized NPs, namely Fe3O4@SLS, Fe3O4@SLS/UA, and Fe3O4@SLS/CEF, respectively, were prepared by co-precipitation method and fully characterized by XRD, TEM, SAED, SEM, FTIR, and TGA. They were further used to produce nanostructured coatings by matrix-assisted pulsed laser evaporation (MAPLE) technique. The biocompatibility of the coatings was assessed by measuring the cell viability, lactate dehydrogenase release, and nitric oxide level in the culture medium and by evaluating the actin cytoskeleton morphology of murine pre-osteoblasts. All prepared nanostructured coatings exhibited good biocompatibility. Biofilm growth inhibition ability was tested at 24 h and 48 h against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa as representative models for Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The coatings demonstrated good biocompatibility, promoting osteoblast adhesion, migration, and growth without significant impact on cell viability or morphology, highlighting their potential for developing safe and effective antibacterial surfaces.

Geopolymers for Space Applications

Geopolymers are cementitious materials with exceptional mechanical and physical properties, making them suitable for aerospace applications. Considering their excellent performance, the present investigation aims to develop geopolymers with designed physical properties to address some issues in the aerospace industry. In this sense, the influence of the alkaline activator on the final properties was evaluated. For the development of the geopolymers, sodium hydroxide and sodium metasilicate solutions were preparedto obtain the alkaline activator. The synthesis process also consisted of a mixing stage using a mixer to obtain a homogenous paste. After mixing, the curing process consisted of a first thermal treatment at 60 °C for 4 h to evaporate the excess water, avoid excessive contraction, and promote strength at early ages. Subsequently, the geopolymers were left at rest for 28 days until the final properties were achieved. The influence of the solid-to-liquidratio (S/L) on the microstructure of the geopolymers was evaluated. For this purpose, X-ray fluorescence spectrometry, X-ray diffraction, and infrared spectrometry analyses were performed. The results show that the content of the alkaline activator promotes variations inthe presence of different crystalline phases, which is more noticeable as the S/L ratio increases. Likewise, the infrared spectra display peaks at different wavelengths regarding the variations in elemental composition, which are more evident with the changes in the S/L ratio. In addition, physical studies, such as thermal conductivity and resistance to gamma radiation were conducted for different geopolymer compositions. The results indicate that changes in properties are not too sensitive to compositional variations, although slight modifications exist. Finally, these studies are significant as aerospace-focused materials are directly exposed to this kind of phenomena. The designed geopolymers have to be able to resist and maintain their properties through exposure to any energy.

The Influence of Bias Voltage on the Structure and Properties of TiZrNbMo Coating Deposited by Magnetron Sputtering

TiZrNbMo coatings have been deposited using the direct current pulsed magnetron sputtering method in an argon atmosphere. The synthesis processes have been conducted under various process parameters. The structure (chemical and phase composition) and mechanical properties of the obtained multicomponent coatings are investigated as a function of plasma modulation frequency (10 Hz and 1000 Hz) and substrate bias (0 to −150 V). It is the case that an increase in the substrate bias decreases the deposition rate and alters the coating’s chemical composition. The latter leads to a Ti concentration decrease and a simultaneous increase in Mo and Nb concentrations in the final coating material. X-ray diffraction measurements indicate a single-phase BCC structure, with grain size decreasing as substrate bias increases. This ultimately forms an amorphous–nanocrystalline structure at −150 V. The mechanical properties of the multicomponent TiZrNbMo coatings have been determined using the nanoindentation method. The maximum values of hardness (13.45 GPa) and elastic modulus (188.6 GPa) are achieved at a substrate bias of −150 V. We also show that the minimum elastic modulus (41.8 GPa) is achieved at an intermediate substrate bias of −100 V.

Tribological behavior of epoxy/nano-clay nanocomposites used as a floor coating

Floor coating is a contemporary technique used to substitute traditional flooring materials like ceramic, oak, and alabaster with epoxy paint. The properties of epoxy floor coatings were studied in terms of mechanical properties, wear resistance, and tribological properties. Nano-clays (MMT for epoxy) were added for reinforcement in different proportions (0, 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 wt.%) using the ultrasound dispersing device. The results show that the wear resistance of the nanocomposite coating reinforced with 2% nanoclay is improved by 82% compared to pure epoxy. The hardness increases by about 13.8% and 19.7% when the nanoclay content is 0.5% and 4%, respectively, compared to pure epoxy, while the adhesive strength decreases with increasing the weight percentage of nanoclay in the composites. In addition, results show that scratch hardness improved by 37.5% and 118.75% when nanoclay content was 0.5% and 4%, respectively.

Tribological behavior of epoxy/nano-clay nanocomposites used as a floor coating

Floor coating is a contemporary technique used to substitute traditional flooring materials like ceramic, oak, and alabaster with epoxy paint. The properties of epoxy floor coatings were studied in terms of mechanical properties, wear resistance, and tribological properties. Nano-clays (MMT for epoxy) were added for reinforcement in different proportions (0, 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 wt.%) using the ultrasound dispersing device. The results show that the wear resistance of the nanocomposite coating reinforced with 2% nanoclay is improved by 82% compared to pure epoxy. The hardness increases by about 13.8% and 19.7% when the nanoclay content is 0.5% and 4%, respectively, compared to pure epoxy, while the adhesive strength decreases with increasing the weight percentage of nanoclay in the composites. In addition, results show that scratch hardness improved by 37.5% and 118.75% when nanoclay content was 0.5% and 4%, respectively.

The Influence of Bias Voltage on the Structure and Properties of TiZrNbMo Coating Deposited by Magnetron Sputtering

TiZrNbMo coatings have been deposited using the direct current pulsed magnetron sputtering method in an argon atmosphere. The synthesis processes have been conducted under various process parameters. The structure (chemical and phase composition) and mechanical properties of the obtained multicomponent coatings are investigated as a function of plasma modulation frequency (10 Hz and 1000 Hz) and substrate bias (0 to −150 V). It is the case that an increase in the substrate bias decreases the deposition rate and alters the coating’s chemical composition. The latter leads to a Ti concentration decrease and a simultaneous increase in Mo and Nb concentrations in the final coating material. X-ray diffraction measurements indicate a single-phase BCC structure, with grain size decreasing as substrate bias increases. This ultimately forms an amorphous–nanocrystalline structure at −150 V. The mechanical properties of the multicomponent TiZrNbMo coatings have been determined using the nanoindentation method. The maximum values of hardness (13.45 GPa) and elastic modulus (188.6 GPa) are achieved at a substrate bias of −150 V. We also show that the minimum elastic modulus (41.8 GPa) is achieved at an intermediate substrate bias of −100 V.

Fabrication of TiN Coatings Deposited on Laser Shock Micro-Textured Substrates for Improving the Interface Adhesion Properties of Coatings.

This paper aims to investigate the strengthening mechanism of laser shock peening on the interfacial bonding properties between TiN coatings and TC4 titanium alloy substrates. The different surface textures were induced by LSP on a TC4 titanium alloy substrate. Subsequently, titanium nitride (TiN) coatings were deposited on the surface texture. A scratch test and reciprocating sliding wear assessment were conducted to evaluate the impact of LSP on the interfacial bonding properties and wear performance of the coatings. The experimental results demonstrated that the adhesion of TiN coatings deposited on the surface texture formed by laser shock peening was significantly enhanced. The efficacy of laser shock treatment in reducing wear rates was found to be significantly enhanced in cases of both increased spot overlapping rate and increased laser power density. The surface texture created using laser parameters of 6.43 GW/cm2 and a 50% overlapping rate was found to have the most significant effect on improving the adhesion and anti-wear properties of the coating. The laser shock texture was identified as the main contributor to this improvement, providing a large interfacial contact area and a mechanical bond between the coating and the substrate. This bond inhibited the initiation and propagation of micro-cracks caused by the concentration of internal stress and interfacial stress of the coating.

The effect of RF sputtering power on structural, nanomechanical and tribological properties of single layered TaN coatings

Single-layered TaN thin coatings were deposited on Ti6Al7Nb alloy substrates using reactive radiofrequency magnetron sputtering, with variations in target power. To assess the crystalline structure, chemical composition, and surface topography of these coatings, Grazing Incidence x-ray Diffraction (GIXRD), Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS), and Scanning Probe Microscopy (SPM) were employed, respectively. The study revealed that deposition power impacts the structure and composition of TaN coatings. Further analysis using x-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) indicated that the TaN coatings predominantly consisted of Ta and N, with trace amounts of oxygen (O 1s). Additionally, nanomechanical testing was conducted to evaluate hardness (H), modulus (E), and scratch properties. Results suggested that multiphase hex-TaN coatings exhibited superior H, E, and scratch properties compared to other cubic-structured TaN coatings. Friction and wear properties against steel balls under dry sliding conditions were determined using a ball-on-disk nanotribometer. The findings showed that mix-phase TaN coating exhibited a minimum coefficient of friction of 0.054 and a wear rate of 2.14 × 10−6 mm3/N.m. Abrasion, ploughing and oxidation were identified as the primary wear mechanism responsible for the wear of the TaN coatings.

Structure and Properties of Composite Coatings with Zro2 and Tio2 Particles After Lehceb Treatment

Structure and Properties of Composite Coatings with Zro2 and Tio2 Particles After Lehceb Treatment

Contrast Role of Third Body Layer and Hard Abrasives in the Wear Process of a TiAlSiN Hardness-Modulated Multilayer Coating: A Case Study on the Effect of Normal Load and Velocity

Working conditions exert an important influence on the tribological properties of protective coatings, thus affecting the wear resistance of workpieces. In this work, a TiAlSiN hardness-modulated multilayer coating with a good match of strength and toughness was deposited on WC-Co substrates. The adhesive wear played a predominant role under the condition of a larger normal load and lower velocity, leading to the formation of a third body layer composed of compressed and lubricating oxides. As a result, the wear rate of the coating tested at 20 N reduced by 23% of that tested at 5 N. Instead, abrasive wear was more manifest, leading to the formation of big-size abrasives, and thus the wear rate increased by 2.8 times while the velocity elevated from 4 mm/s to 16 mm/s. A full factorial analysis of the wear behaviors, including the nanohardness and roughness of the wear track, and the friction coefficient and wear rate of the coating, offered good guidance for the comprehension of the wear form of the TiAlSiN multilayer coating. The results demonstrated the optimization of multilayer structures for TiAlSiN coatings to attain better wear resistance under coupling conditions of normal load and velocity: harder or more lubricated sublayers.