Surface Properties Of Coatings Research Articles

The effect of multi-step cycles on the surface properties of Ni-TiO2 coatings produced by pulse current electrodeposition

ABSTRACT In this study, the Ni-TiO2 coatings were deposited on copper substrates by pulse plating. The effect of multi-step current cycles on the metallurgical properties of produced coatings was investigated. The results showed that the values of applied currents within the periods significantly affect the surface properties of all coatings. Using the negative current cycles, the surface morphologies completely changed from regular and compact to irregular, compared to the deposits that did not have a negative cycle in the coating process. Also, the surface roughness increased by 1.5 times in the best case. Applying the 8-step cycle increased the percentage of TiO2 content inside the Ni-TiO2 layer from 13.13 vol.% to 31.58%. The corrosion and wear analysis results showed that the coating applied by a 4-step cycle with a 90-second off time has the best properties. Therefore, the corrosion and wear properties were not necessarily directly related to the participation percentage of TiO2 particles. Compact morphology with high current efficiency, wide distribution of TiO2 particles (6.31 vol.%) with minimal agglomeration, low coating roughness (Ra = 0.32 µm), high hardness value (436 Vickers), and the participation of (111) plane in the preferred texture improved the corrosion and wear behaviour of the optimal coating.

Influence of punch coating surface properties on sticking during the tableting process

Introduction The present study evaluates the sticking propensity of Uncoated steel, and chromium nitride (CrN), zirconium nitride (ZrN), titanium nitride (TiN) and Ultracoat punch coatings during the tableting process of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) conducted on a Manesty® F3 single station tableting press. Methods Surface properties including surface roughness, surface free energy (SFE) and its components, the atomic percentage of surface polar functional groups and oxides measured with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy were used to characterize the surface propensity to sticking. Results After five hours of tablet pressing, MCC powder particles were found to adhere to the TiN coated and the uncoated steel punches. Surface analysis show that surface roughness of all the tested punches was similar. The Lewis base SFE component (LB-comp) was found to govern the acid-base interactions of the tested surfaces, and its value was higher for punch surfaces affected by sticking. The surfaces exhibiting higher LB-comp are more prone to strong acid-base interactions with water molecules that evaporate from the powder bed during compression. Therefore, these surfaces adsorbed water and allow sticking through capillary adhesion force. Conclusion The total atomic percentage of the surface polar functional groups (PFG) and oxides was also high for the surfaces that stick to MCC during tableting, suggesting that hydrophilic molecules on the punch surface favor sticking.

Optimization of the interfacial properties between mechanically and electrochemically treated aluminium and nano-modified coatings for printed outdoor applications

The aim of this research was to analyze the interfacial properties between the surfaces of mechanically and electrochemically treated aluminium substrates and the printed coatings modified by the addition of silicon dioxide (SiO2) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles. The nanoparticles were added to the printing inks in various concentrations with the scope to optimize the interface properties of the prints for outdoor applications. The surface, as well as the structural and mechanical properties of the printed coatings were evaluated. Various methods were employed to measure and analyze the surface and interfacial properties of aluminium and coatings. Surface microphotographs and the roughness of the treated aluminium substrates were examined, the surface free energy of the aluminium and the coatings as well as the adhesion properties were calculated, and the thickness and optical density of the coatings were measured. Considering that the treated aluminium samples prepared for this research had quite textured and different surfaces, the contact angles used for the calculation of surface free energy were calculated with and without Wenzel model to obtain detailed information about the interactions between the surface of aluminium samples and the printed modified coatings. The results showed that the type of treatment of aluminium substrates as well as the modification of the printing inks have a significant influence on the adhesion and surface properties of the coatings considered. Furthermore, the results demonstrated that the produced nano-modified coatings can be used as printed coatings or as customized primers for applying various types of inks and coatings.

Preparation and Characterization of Fluorinated Acrylate and Epoxy Co-Modified Waterborne Polyurethane.

Conventional waterborne polyurethane (WPU) has poor water resistance and poor overall performance, which limits its application in outdoor coatings. A solution to this problem is urgently needed. The introduction of fluorine-containing groups can effectively improve the water resistance of WPU. In this study, a new fluorinated chain extender (HFBMA-HPA) synthesized by free radical copolymerization and epoxy resin (E-44) were used to co-modify WPU, and five waterborne fluorinated polyurethane (WFPU) emulsions with different fluorine contents were prepared by the self-emulsification method. The effects of HFBMA-HPA content on the emulsion particle properties, coating surface properties, mechanical properties, water resistance, thermal stability, and corrosion resistance were investigated. The results showed that the WFPU coating had excellent thermal stability, corrosion resistance, and mechanical properties. As the content of HFBMA-HPA increased from 0 wt% to 14 wt%, the water resistance of the WFPU coating gradually increased, the water contact angle (WCA) increased from 73° to 98°, the water absorption decreased from 7.847% to 3.062%, and the surface energy decreased from 32.8 mN/m to 22.6 mN/m. The coatings also showed impressive performances in the adhesion and flexibility tests in extreme conditions. This study provides a waterborne fluorinated polyurethane material with excellent comprehensive performance that has potential application value in the field of outdoor waterproof and anticorrosion coatings.

Engineering bioactive MWCNT-reinforced hydroxyapatite coatings on Ti29Nb5Zr alloy by plasma electrolytic oxidation method: A comprehensive approach to dental implant surface optimization

Titanium-niobium-zirconium (TiNbZr) alloys represent a promising class of newly developed titanium-based biomaterials, engineered to exhibit superior properties for biomedical applications. This study investigates the influence of hydroxylated multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) on the surface properties of hydroxyapatite coatings prepared by the plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) method for implant applications. The optimal concentration of MWCNTs in the PEO coating was determined based on the superior surface, electrochemical, and biological properties obtained. The incorporation of MWCNTs led to an enhancement in surface roughness from Ra 0.06 ± 0.02 to Ra 0.618 ± 0.03 µm, improved wettability with a decrease in contact angle from 63.03° ± 1.1–28.29° ± 0.07, and a reduction in elastic modulus from 77.20 ± 2.26 GPa to 54.50 ± 2.22 GPa. Furthermore, electrochemical corrosion resistance analysis revealed an increase in inner passivation resistance up to 2.24 × 10 ×7 Ω.cm2 with the addition of MWCNTs. Antibacterial activity analysis demonstrated that the optimal concentration of MWCNTs resulted in a 3.1-fold and 2.7-fold reduction in E. coli and S. aureus bacteria, respectively, compared to uncoated samples. Cell viability against MC3T3-E1 cells showed a 25 % higher viability with MWCNTs than uncoated substrates.

Determination of the significance of atomic concentration on surface properties of Ba x Mg1-x F2 alloy coatings via microscopic and spectroscopic techniques.

Both BaF2 and MgF2 compounds and Ba x Mg1-x F2 alloy thin films were deposited on glass and silicon (Si) substrates in nanometric sizes (100 ± 10 nm) in a high vacuum environment by radio frequency (rf) magnetron sputtering. Using BaF2 (99% purity) and MgF2 (99% purity) target materials and adjusting the power levels applied to these targets, Ba x Mg1-x F2 alloy coatings at different atomic concentrations were formed under the same vacuum conditions. The microstructure and surface characteristics of the samples were analysed with the help of spectroscopic and microscopic methods. For the surface characterization, with scanning acoustic microscopy (SAM), 2-dimensional surface acoustic images of the samples were mapped, the surface acoustic impedance values were determined, and information about the micro hardness of the materials was obtained. Surface roughness values and grain sizes were obtained by taking 3-dimensional surface images of investigated materials using atomic force microscopy (AFM). Average nanometric particle sizes were determined for each sample with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), therefore, information about surface homogeneity was obtained. For the microstructural characterization, quantitative elemental analysis was performed using scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), and stoichiometric ratios of atomic compositions were identified. By evaluating the data obtained from the microscopic and spectroscopic measurements, the effect of the atomic concentration parameter on the morphological properties of the material was determined. The usability of the produced binary fluoride alloy thin film coatings is promising for emerging optoelectronic, ceramic industry, biomedical and surface acoustic wave applications.

Radiation-induced cross-linking polymerization: Recent developments for coating and composite applications

Abstract Radiation-initiated cross-linking polymerization of multifunctional monomers is an attractive method used for drying solvent-free liquid coatings, inks, and adhesive as well as for fabricating high-performance composite materials. The method offers a number of advantages compared with thermal curing processes. Free radical and cationic polymerization have been investigated in detail over the past years. A high degree of control over curing kinetics and material properties can be exerted by adjusting the composition of matrix precursors and/or by acting on the process parameters (overall dose, dose rate, dose increment, initial temperature). Several pending issues that require deeper investigations are as follows: (i) the fast polymerization of multifunctional monomers generates micro-heterogeneous networks requiring detailed characterization and quantification by microscopic, thermal, and spectroscopic analyses; (ii) the adhesion and surface properties of radiation-cured coatings are quite sensitive to processing parameters; and (iii) significant enhancement of the toughness is needed to qualify potential matrices based on simple difunctional monomers for high-performance composites. Recent results show that the bulk and surface properties of radiation-cured materials can be improved by advanced formulation of matrix precursors and by a parametric study of the processing factors.

A feasibility study on femtosecond laser texturing of sprayed nanocellulose coatings

Nanocelluloses are emerging as natural materials with favourable properties for coating industry and can be applied by state-of-the-art spraying technology. While additional functionalities are commonly introduced through chemical modification, the surface microstructuring of nanocellulose coatings with high throughput methods remains unexplored. Here, a femtosecond laser is used for texturing spray-coated coatings made of cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) or cellulose nanocrystals (CNC). For coating thickness of 1.5 to 8 μm, processing limits were determined with maximum ablation energy linearly increasing with coating thickness and minimum ablation energy decreasing or increasing depending on the apparent coating density. Within applicable processing window of pulse rate and power setting, the operational ranges were determined for creating one-dimensional and two-dimensional surface patterns, requiring a higher laser energy for CNC compared to CNF coatings and yielding thinnest possible resolved patterns of 17 μm as determined by the laser spot diameter. The laser ablation under low energy corresponds to an increase in surface roughness and intensifies surface hydrophilicity, while the line patterns are able to pin water droplets with rising water contact angles up to 90°. Present feasibility study opens future possibilities for managing surface properties of nanocellulose coatings in applications where tuning of surface hydrophilicity is required.

Enhanced Surface Properties of TiO2-Based Coatings via Stevia-Assisted Spark Suppression: Insights from Density Functional Theory Calculations

This study investigates the enhancement of surface properties in TiO2-based coatings on the Ti-6Al-4V alloy through micro-arc oxidation (MAO), employing stevia sugar as a novel additive. By incorporating stevia sugar into acetate–glycerophosphate–tetraethoxysilane solutions used in MAO treatment, the porous morphology of TiO2-based oxide layers is regulated. The incorporation of stevia moderates plasma discharge intensity, facilitating the formation of a uniform silicon-rich structure characterized by reduced porosity and pore size. This effect is attributed to the interaction between stevia and tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS), which modifies the TEOS hydrolysis process, thereby enhancing structural uniformity and stability while concurrently reducing plasma discharge intensity. Additionally, theoretical calculations offer a valuable understanding of the reactivity and interactions of stevia, TEOS, and their complex during the MAO process, laying the groundwork for further research and optimization in this promising field.

Characterization of surface properties of TiC ceramic coating developed on AISI 1020 steel

The aim of this research was to develop the TiC ceramic coating on the AISI 1020 steel substrate by a tungsten inert gas cladding (TIG) process and to comprehensively assess the surface properties of deposited TiC coatings. Various TIG currents were employed to deposit the TiC coating. The study included a detailed investigation of the two pivotal aspects: wear rate and microhardness. Additionally, a comprehensive examination of the microstructure and the presence of different phases in the coating layers was done. TiC ceramics were found to be dispersed remarkably and uniformly over the whole coating region, as revealed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) examinations. Additionally, it was noted that neither the coating area nor the interfacial areas included any harmful flaws like voids or cracks. The results of this experiment clearly showed that the processing current and the subsequent wear resistance and microhardness were directly correlated. In particular, it was shown that wear resistance and microhardness both showed a noticeable increase when the processing current decreased. The coating developed at lower proceeding current 80 A found the most remarkable results, achieving a peak microhardness of 2846 HV0.1 and an impressively low wear rate of only 10.96 × 10−8 g/Nm. These extraordinary results can be directly attributable to the hard TiC phase's significant presence inside the coatings layer. Due to its improved wear behaviour and microhardness as compared to untreated mild steel, pure TiC-coated AISI 1020 steel finds a suitable material for application in wear-resistance components where hardness is considered as a crucial factor. The TiC coating has achieved an exceptionally high friction coefficient, making it particularly valuable for applications within the automobile industry.

Long-term stability of antifouling poly(carboxybetaine acrylamide) brush coatings

A comprehensive understanding how storage conditions affect functional surface properties of antifouling organic coatings remains a persistent challenge across industry and research worldwide. This study investigates the long-term storage stability of state-of-art antifouling functionalizable zwitterionic poly(carboxybetaine acrylamide) (pCBAA) brushes using spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE), infrared reflection-absorption spectroscopy (IRRAS), surface plasmon resonance (SPR), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The pCBAA brushes, prepared by surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization (SI-ATRP) on SPR substrates, were subjected to various storage conditions for 43 days: kept in dry state at room temperature or −20 °C, and immersed in water or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and kept at 6 °C or −20 °C. The IRRAS, SE and AFM data confirm only negligible release of pCBAA under these storage conditions. However, SE indicated a slightly lower brush swelling ratio depending on storage. The SPR was used to evaluate the resistance of unmodified pCBAA, pCBAA activated by EDC/NHS chemistry and deactivated with 2-(2-aminoethoxy)acetic acid (AEAA), and pCBAA functionalized with anti-E. coli antibodies against fouling from undiluted human blood plasma. The results confirm that pCBAA brushes maintain or may even improve their exceptional antifouling performance after prolonged storage, while displaying a slight deterioration in their binding capacity for anti-E. coli antibodies.

Insight into continuous growth mechanisms of ZrO2-Al2O3 composite PEO coatings with superior cavitation erosion resistance

The ZrO2-Al2O3 composite coatings were fabricated on TiB2/2024Al composite by the plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) treatment with either monoclinic (m-ZrO2) or tetragonal zirconia (t-ZrO2) nanoparticles (NPs) addition. Such PEO coatings showed a double layer morphology due to the limited physical motion ability of ZrO2 colloidal particles into coatings. t-ZrO2 remained as the main phase in ZrO2-Al2O3 PEO composite coatings whether t-ZrO2 or m-ZrO2 NPs were added. Based on the microstructure analyses by focus ion beam plus scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy, ZrO2 showed netlike morphology in the outer layer with NPs partially melted at the mesh boundary and lines-like morphology fully melted at the inner mesh in the coating. A prominent morphological transition of ZrO2 was clearly observed at the interface between outer layer and inner layer. Therefore, the continuous growth mechanisms of ZrO2-Al2O3 composite PEO coatings were proposed in terms of morphological evolution process. Furthermore, electrochemical measurements and cavitation erosion tests were conducted to study the comprehensive surface properties (corrosion and impact resistance) of ZrO2-Al2O3 composite coatings. As a result, the ZrO2-Al2O3 composite PEO coatings with m-ZrO2 addition exhibited the greatly reduced corrosion rate, and superior cavitation erosion resistance. Accordingly, the underlying mechanisms for these improved properties were intensively discussed.

Improving the mechanical, thermal and surface properties of polyaspartic ester bio-based polyurea coatings by incorporating silica and titania

Polyaspartic ester polyurea coatings are known for their eco-friendly properties due to the absence of VOCs and free isocyanates. While these coatings offer many advantages to the industry, achieving durability often requires the use of trimers with high NCO content. In such cases, applicators face challenges due to their notably short pot life. Furthermore, the second component used is a petroleum-based polyisocyanate, which limits its classification as a sustainable material. In this study, bio-based polyisocyanates were employed in polyaspartic coatings for the first time, thereby positioning them as sustainable alternatives without compromising their conventional properties. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (13C and 1H) were utilized to characterize the structure of polyaspartic ester coatings derived from biobased polyisocyanates along with solvent-free and catalyst-free PAEs. It was determined that the coating formulation had a convenient working time at room temperature. Pendulum hardness and contact angle measurements indicated that hard coatings with hydrophobicity were obtained with the addition of SiO2 and TiO2 particles without reducing the working time. The results revealed a notable 37% increase in tensile strength with the addition of 3 wt% silica compared to the base coating, and a remarkable 43 wt% increase when the coating obtained an equal proportion of titanium and silica at the same concentration. Additionally, Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) studies revealed that the composite coatings comprising titanium and silica particles exhibited higher glass transition temperatures and residual char yields compared to the base coating. The morphology and surface roughness of the coatings were characterized using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM).

Investigation of Antimicrobial and Surface Properties of Different Wood Coatings Based on Quarternized Carboxymethyl Cellulose

Günlük yaşamın hemen hemen her alanında kullanılan ahşap kaplamalara kullanım alanlarının gereksinimine göre fonksiyonel özellikler kazandırılmaktadır. Steril alanlara gereksinim duyulan uygulamalarda ahşap kaplamaların antimikrobiyal özellik göstermesi fonksiyonel ahşap kaplamaların en önemli örneklerindendir. Ayrıca kullanım alanına göre hidrofil veya hidrofob ahşap kaplamaların tercih edilebilmesi önemli bir avantajdır. Bu çalışmada, kuarternize karboksimetil selüloz (CMC) bazlı ahşap kaplamaların antimikrobiyal ve yüzey özelliklerinin incelenmesi amaçlanmıştır. İlk olarak kuarternize CMC sentezlendi ve kayın, meşe ve maun ahşap kaplamalara kuarternize CMC daldırma metodu ile emprenye edildi. Elde edilen fonksiyonelleştirilmiş ahşap kaplamaların antimikrobiyal aktiviteleri hem gram pozitif (S. aureus) hem de gram negatif (E. coli) bakterilere karşı inhibisyon zonu (disk difüzyon) yöntemi kullanılarak incelendi. Kaplamalarınm yüzey özellikleri su ile yapmış oldukları temas açısı ölçülerek belirlendi. Ayrıca ahşap kaplamaların hücre lümenlerinin kuarternize CMC ile doldurulduğu taramalı elektron mikroskobu (SEM) ile incelendi. Elde edilen sonuçlardan ahşap kaplamaların hücre lümenlerinin kuarternize CMC ile başarılı bir şekilde doldurulduğu ve kaplamalara antimikrobiyal özellik ve hidrofilik karakter kazandırıldığı belirlendi.

Influence of the Relative Position of Powder–Gas Jet and Laser Beam on the Surface Properties of Inconel 625 Coatings Produced by Extreme High-Speed Laser Material Deposition (EHLA)

Laser material deposition (LMD) is a widely used coating process in industry. However, to increase its economic appeal, higher process speeds are required. The solution to this challenge is an innovative modification known as extreme high-speed laser material deposition (EHLA). EHLA allows for an impressive increase in process speed from 2 m/min for conventional LMD to 500 m/min. With the ability to adjust process parameters, EHLA can generate tailor-made surface properties, expanding its potential application beyond current industrial uses. In this novel study, we explore the effects of relative positioning between tools (laser beam and powder–gas jet) and substrate on the surface properties of EHLA coatings. By laterally and axially offsetting the tools, the proportional energy coupling of the laser radiation into the powder–gas jet and substrate can be modified. Altering the position of the powder–gas jet can also affect the weld pool flow or number of particle attachments, thereby affecting surface properties. This approach allows for the adjustment of surface roughness over a wide range—from smooth, quasi-laser-polished surfaces to rough surfaces covered with particle adhesions.

Assessing the Surface Properties of Plant Extract-Based Silver Nanoparticle Coatings on 17–4 PH Stainless Steel Foams Using Artificial Intelligence-Supported RGB Analysis: A Comparative Study

Assessing the Surface Properties of Plant Extract-Based Silver Nanoparticle Coatings on 17–4 PH Stainless Steel Foams Using Artificial Intelligence-Supported RGB Analysis: A Comparative Study

Mechanical, thermal, and surface properties of fusion-bonded epoxy nanocomposite coatings

Mechanical, thermal, and surface properties of fusion-bonded epoxy nanocomposite coatings

Surface microstructures and properties of oxide-reinforced FeCrAl matrix composite coatings prepared by laser cladding on a ferritic-martensitic steel

In this work, two oxide-reinforced FeCrAl matrix composite coatings, FeCrAl-Al2O3 and FeCrAl-Y2O3, were fabricated on a ferritic-martensitic steel by laser cladding with their microstructures probed by means of multiple characterization methods. Their cross-sections are found to consist of three zones with distinct microstructure features, i.e. cladding zone (CZ), heat-affected zone (HAZ) and substrate. Their CZs are mainly composed of columnar ferrite (the average grain sizes 7.1 ± 3.9 µm and 6.5 ± 3.8 µm for the FeCrAl-Al2O3 and the FeCrAl-Y2O3 coatings, respectively), with plenty of O-rich particles dispersed inside the ferrite. For the HAZs, they are essentially comprised of markedly refined martensitic laths. The average surface hardnesses of the FeCrAl-Al2O3 and the FeCrAl-Y2O3 coatings are 357.1 ± 8.7 HV and 348.4 ± 26.1 HV, respectively, notably higher than the substrate (264.7 ± 2.7 HV). Such effective hardening is attributed to the combined effect of solid-solution and dispersion strengthening. The wear rates of the FeCrAl-Al2O3 and the FeCrAl-Y2O3 coatings are 37% and 73% lower than the substrate, respectively, demonstrating considerably enhanced wear resistance. After characterizing the worn surfaces, abrasive wear and oxidative wear are confirmed to occur on all the specimens during the wear test. The enhanced wear resistance of both the composite coatings should mainly be related to the high hardnesses produced by their specific microstructural features, and the easier formation of surface oxide films during the wear.

Fluorescence Imaging Study of Film Coating Structure and Composition Effects on DNA Hybridization

Hybridization of surface‐bound DNA with complementary strands is the basis of many biotechnological applications. Herein, the structure of interfacial coatings between substrate and bound DNA is a crucial element for hybridization behavior. Herein, three reactive surfaces for constructing DNA‐sensing platforms, namely, plain gold films on silicon, poly(bisphenolA‐co‐epichlorohydrin) (PBAG) surfaces with a brush‐like bilayer structure, and dibenzocyclooctyne monolayers (both on glass), are compared. Fluorescence imaging is employed to survey the effect of coating structure and conformation on hybridization performance. To better understand the interfacial structural properties and chemistry of the coated films, atomic force microscopy, water contact angle measurements, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy are employed to characterize the surface morphology. DNA probe microarrays are created on the different platforms via microchannel cantilever spotting, and their performance for hybridizing with the DNA counterparts is assessed. While all three platforms work reliable for DNA detection, a protein‐binding assay reveals that PBAG surfaces offer the highest hybridization efficiency among these approaches. The results of the present work have significant implications for comprehension of the interactions between the DNA hybridization efficiency and the physico‐chemical properties of surface coatings and can inform the fabrication of DNA sensors.

Development of plant-based biopolymer coatings for 3D cell culture: boron-silica-enriched quince seed mucilage nanocomposites.

Spheroid formation with spontaneous aggregation has captured interest in most cell culture studies due to its easy set-up and more reliable results. However, the economic and technical costs of the advanced systems and commercial ultra-low adhesive platforms have pushed researchers into pursuing alternatives. Nowadays, polymeric coatings, including poly-hydroxyethyl methacrylate and agar/agarose, are the commonly used polymers for non-adhesive plate fabrication, yet the costs and working solvent or heat-dependent preparation procedures maintain the need for the development of novel biomaterials. Here, we propose a greener and more economical approach for producing non-adherent surfaces and spheroid formation. For this, a plant waste-based biopolymer from quince fruit (Cydonia oblonga Miller, from Rosaceae family) seeds and boron-silica precursors were introduced. The unique water-holding capacity of quince seed mucilage (Q) was enriched with silanol and borate groups to form bioactive and hydrophilic nanocomposite overlays for spheroid studies. Moreover, 3D gel plates from the nanocomposite material were fabricated and tested in vitro as a proof-of-concept. The surface properties of coatings and the biochemical and mechanical properties of the nanocomposite materials were evaluated in-depth with techniques, and extra hydrophilic coatings were obtained. Three different cell lines were cultured on these nanocomposite surfaces, and spheroid formation with increased cellular viability was recorded on day 3 with a >200 μm spheroid size. Overall, Q-based nanocomposites are believed to be a fantastic alternative for non-adherent surface fabrication due to their low-cost, easy operation, and intrinsic hydration layer forming capacity with biocompatible nature in vitro.