Special Issue "Advances in Multifunctional Coatings for Next Generation Applications"

Guest Editor
Dr. Santanu Chaudhuri
Institute for Shock Physics, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164-2816, USA
Website: http://www.shock.wsu.edu/people/chaudhuri.html
E-Mail: chaudhuri@wsu.edu
Phone: +1 509 358 7782
Interests: multifunctional coatings design; wear-resistant coatings; chem/bio active surfaces; electrochemical reactions; catalysis; fuel-cell; hydrogen storage

Dear Colleagues,

The special issue is dedicated to highlighting the important advances in coatings technology that promises to transform the commercial coatings of today. New ways to design coatings including novel synthesis and application, assembly of block copolymers, characterization of interfaces, and multiscale simulation methods for coatings design, all have contributed to the tremendous insight on how coatings interact with the environment. The thermodynamics of coating interfaces, morphological features, and the role of chemical constituents can now be directly measured from nano-to-microscale using novel instrumentation. There is still a gap that needs to be addressed where innovative multifunctional coatings for a range of potential applications can mature to become commercial products in next 5-10 year time-horizon. Therefore, innovative research from academia and industry needs to find a common platform where new ideas on coating synthesis, curing, characterization, and multiscale modeling can be combined to develop multifunctional coatings with greater degree of control and scalability. In particular, unique mechanical and chemical properties, scratch resistance, self-healing properties, anti-icing and super-hydrophobic coatings, and conductive coatings are at the forefront of becoming new products. The issue aimed to publish articles from leaders in multifunctional coatings research in academia and industry, and highlight the advances and potential challenges for the sustainable design of multifunction coatings.

Dr. Santanu Chaudhuri
Guest Editor

Submission

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. Papers will be published continuously (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as 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 refereed through a 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 quarterly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. For the first couple of issues the Article Processing Charge (APC) will be waived for well-prepared manuscripts. English correction and/or formatting fees of 250 CHF (Swiss Francs) will be charged in certain cases for those articles accepted for publication that require extensive additional formatting and/or English corrections.

Type of Paper: Review
Title: Advanced Multi-Functional Coatings for Gas Turbines for Energy Applications
Authors: Anand Kulkarni, Anirudha Vaidya, David B. Allen and David Mitchell
Affiliation: Siemens Energy Inc., 4400 Alafaya Trail, Orlando, FL 32826, USA; E-Mail: anand.kulkarni@siemens.com (A.K.)
Abstract: The utilization of fossil fuels for powering industrial gas turbines is expected to continue growing resulting in continued emphasis on increasing performance and reliability while simultaneously providing a cost effective, efficient, and environmentally sound power generation solution. The push to higher firing temperatures, increased efficiencies, reduced emissions and multiple fuel capability continues to demand more out of the gas turbine design and materials systems capabilities. While technology advancements are necessary in compressor and turbine aerodynamics, low emissions combustion, cooling and leakage reduction, materials and coatings will play a pivotal role for realization of advanced design concepts of many future industrial Gas Turbines (IGT) systems. Coatings became over the past decades an integral part of many IGT material systems, contributing several key functions such as thermal and oxidation protection, clearance control, wear resistance and sensing capabilities. Each of these coating functionalities presents unique challenges and requirements as they are super-imposed upon each other, especially with engine operating conditions becoming harsher and increasing service interval expectations.

Type of Paper: Article
Title: Computational Tools and Approaches for Design and Control of Coating and Composite Color, Appearance, and Electromagnetic Signature
Authors: Erik D. Sapper ^1,* and Brian R. Hinderliter ²
Affiliations: ¹ The Boeing Company, Seattle, WA, USA
² Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA; E-Mail; erik.d.sapper@boeing.com
Abstract: The transport behavior of electromagnetic radiation through a polymeric coating or composite is the basis for the material color, appearance, and overall electromagnetic signature. As multifunctional materials become more advanced and next generation in-service applications become more demanding, a need for predictive design of electromagnetic signature is desired. This paper presents various components developed and used in a computational suite for the study and design of electromagnetic radiation transport properties in polymeric coatings and composites. Focus is given to the treatment of the forward or direct scattering problem on surfaces and in bulk matrices of polymeric materials. The suite consists of surface and bulk light scattering simulation modules that may be coupled together to produce a multiscale model for predicting the electromagnetic signature of various material systems. Geometric optics ray tracing is used to predict surface scattering behavior of realistically rough surfaces, while a coupled ray tracing-finite element approach is used to predict bulk scattering behavior of material matrices consisting of microscale and nanoscale fillers, pigments, fibers, air voids, and other inclusions. Extension of the suite to color change and appearance metamerism is addressed, as well as the differences between discrete versus statistical material modeling.

Type of Paper: Article
Title: Scratch Resistance of Automotive Coatings: Exterior Clearcoats and Polycarbonate Hardcoats
Authors: Mark Nichols * and Christopher M. Seubert
Affliations: Paint Research Group, Ford Research and Innovation Center, USA; E-Mail: mnichols@ford.com
Abstract: The scratch resistance characteristics of coatings used on two, highly visible automotive applications (automotive bodies and window glazings) were examined and reviewed. Types of damage (scratch vs. mar), the impact on customers, and the causes of scratch events were introduced. Different exterior clearcoat technologies, including UV curable and self-healing formulations were reviewed, including previous results from nano- and macro-scratch tests. Polycarbonate hardcoat glazings were tested vs. annealed glass samples using a Taber abrader, with the resulting damage analyzed using transmitted haze measurements and optical profilometry. A correlation between the damage seen in glass samples (many smooth, shallow mars) and the best hardcoat samples (fewer, deeper scratches) and the haze measurements was discussed. Nano-scratch results showed similar fracture forces, but measurably improved mar resistance for the hardcoats/glass system compared to exterior clearcoats.