Coatings

37 pages, 2534 KB

Open AccessReview

Bio-Cementation of Cracked Soils: Evaluating MICP Contributions to Stability and Practical Challenges in Coal Mining Applications

by Ying Gao, Mohd Ashraf bin Mohamad Ismail, Tao Li, Zhaolai Hua and Liangliang Guo

Coatings 2026, 16(4), 507; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings16040507 - 21 Apr 2026

Viewed by 486

Abstract

In this review, the application of microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP) for repairing coal mining-induced cracks in loess soils was summarized, and its objectives, main findings, and key challenges were highlighted. First, the formation characteristics and engineering demands of mining-induced loess cracks [...] Read more.

In this review, the application of microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP) for repairing coal mining-induced cracks in loess soils was summarized, and its objectives, main findings, and key challenges were highlighted. First, the formation characteristics and engineering demands of mining-induced loess cracks were analyzed, and the limitations of existing repair methods in terms of durability, adaptability, and environmental impact were emphasized. The advantages of MICP for soil stabilization, crack sealing, and ground improvement were presented, demonstrating its potential for use in the remediation of cracks in loess. Key challenges in practical implementation, including uneven injection, clogging, environmental constraints on microbial activity, ammonia byproduct risks, and insufficient long-term stability assessment, were discussed. Overall, MICP offers a sustainable and effective strategy for loess crack repair, providing a promising approach for ecological restoration and geotechnical reinforcement in mining-affected regions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Corrosion Characteristics and Surface Protection of Coastal Infrastructure)

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28 pages, 2313 KB

Open AccessReview

A Comprehensive Review on Aluminide Coatings for Ni-Based Superalloys: From Processing to Performance

by Karolina Piotrowska and Mateusz Kopec

Coatings 2026, 16(4), 506; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings16040506 - 21 Apr 2026

Viewed by 1264

Abstract

In this review, a comprehensive analysis of aluminide coatings for nickel-based superalloys was performed with the particular emphasis on their processing, microstructural evolution, and performance under high-temperature conditions. Nickel-based superalloys are widely used in power engineering and aerospace industries; however, their susceptibility to [...] Read more.

In this review, a comprehensive analysis of aluminide coatings for nickel-based superalloys was performed with the particular emphasis on their processing, microstructural evolution, and performance under high-temperature conditions. Nickel-based superalloys are widely used in power engineering and aerospace industries; however, their susceptibility to oxidation and hot corrosion necessitates advanced surface protection strategies. Aluminide coatings offer effective protection through the formation of stable and adherent alumina scales. The review systematically evaluates major deposition techniques, including chemical vapour deposition (CVD), pack cementation, slurry aluminizing, and advanced hybrid methods, highlighting their influence on coating structure and properties. Special attention is given to the relationship between processing parameters, microstructure, and functional performance, including oxidation resistance, corrosion behaviour, and mechanical properties such as hardness and fatigue life. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Surface Characterization, Deposition and Modification)

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23 pages, 4910 KB

Open AccessArticle

Coating-Engineered NiCo₂O₄/NiFeO//Mn-PC Thin-Film Electrodes for New Energy Electric Vehicle Supercapacitors

by Yaobang Wang and Daixing Lu

Coatings 2026, 16(4), 505; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings16040505 - 21 Apr 2026

Viewed by 503

Abstract

To address the application requirements of energy storage devices for new energy electric vehicles—including high energy density, high-power density, fast charging and discharging, and long-term cycling stability—traditional symmetric supercapacitors are often limited by low energy density and poor compatibility between the anode and [...] Read more.

To address the application requirements of energy storage devices for new energy electric vehicles—including high energy density, high-power density, fast charging and discharging, and long-term cycling stability—traditional symmetric supercapacitors are often limited by low energy density and poor compatibility between the anode and cathode, making it difficult to meet the high-efficiency energy storage demands under the dynamic operating conditions of electric vehicles. This study focuses on the regulation of hierarchical thin-film structures and the innovative heterogeneous coating interface engineering with precise slurry coating and film-forming optimization and designs and fabricates NiCo₂O₄/NiFeO composite thin-film electrodes and Mn-doped porous carbon (Mn-PC) thin-film electrodes. The uniform, compact and stable coating formation on nickel foam substrates via controllable slurry coating facilitates the efficient integration of active materials and conductive supports. The electrode slurries were coated onto conductive nickel foam substrates, and high-performance aqueous supercapacitors were assembled using an asymmetric configuration. A systematic study was conducted covering material preparation, structural characterization, electrochemical testing, and full-device performance evaluation. Using techniques such as XRD, XPS, SEM, TEM, BET, and an electrochemical workstation, the study revealed the structure–activity relationships among material morphology, crystalline phases, pore structure, and electrochemical performance, elucidating the charge storage mechanisms of the composite electrode films and the principles of synergistic adaptation between the anode and cathode. The results indicate that NiCo₂O₄ nanowires decorated with in situ-grown NiFeO nanosheets to form a composite structure; when coated onto nickel foam, this forms a uniform, porous electrode film with a specific surface area of 171.3 m²/g, a specific capacitance as high as 1746 F/g at 1 A/g, and a capacity retention rate of 94.0% after 10,000 cycles. After coating and film formation, the Mn-PC anode introduced pseudocapacitive active sites through uniform Mn doping, resulting in a film electrode specific capacitance of 348 F/g and significantly improved rate and cycling performance. The assembled NiCo₂O₄/NiFeO//Mn-PC asymmetric supercapacitor exhibits a thin-film electrode specific capacitance of 153 F/g at 1 A/g, with a maximum energy density of 52 Wh/kg. Even at a power density of 9000 W/kg, it maintains 45 Wh/kg, and retains 89.5% of its capacity after 10,000 cycles, with overall performance outperforming most previously reported transition metal-based devices. This coating-engineered electrode fabrication strategy breaks through the interface mismatch and structural instability bottlenecks of traditional thin-film electrodes, providing a novel material system and an efficient coating assembly strategy for high-performance supercapacitor thin-film electrodes in new energy electric vehicles, and offers experimental evidence and technical references for the development and application of high-power energy storage coating devices for automotive use, as well as the innovative design of electrode coating engineering in energy storage fields. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Coatings in Electrochemistry and Electrocatalysis)

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17 pages, 1745 KB

Open AccessReview

Surface Degradation of Titanium and Zirconia Dental Implants in the Oral Environment: A Scoping Review of Mechanisms and Clinical Implications

by Michał Ciszyński, Bartosz Chwaliszewski, Wojciech Niemczyk, Wojciech Simka, Marzena Dominiak and Jakub Hadzik

Coatings 2026, 16(4), 504; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings16040504 - 21 Apr 2026

Viewed by 1122

Abstract

Titanium dental implants are widely regarded as the gold standard for the rehabilitation of missing teeth due to their high survival rates and favorable mechanical properties. However, in the oral environment, implant materials are continuously exposed to complex chemical, mechanical, and biological factors [...] Read more.

Titanium dental implants are widely regarded as the gold standard for the rehabilitation of missing teeth due to their high survival rates and favorable mechanical properties. However, in the oral environment, implant materials are continuously exposed to complex chemical, mechanical, and biological factors that may lead to surface degradation, including corrosion, tribocorrosion, and mechanical wear. These processes can alter implant surface characteristics and influence biological responses in peri-implant tissues. Zirconia implants have been introduced as alternative material due to their favorable aesthetics and biocompatibility. Nevertheless, zirconia ceramics are also susceptible to degradation phenomena, including hydrothermal aging, phase transformation, and surface wear under specific conditions, although their clinical relevance remains unclear. In addition, emerging hybrid titanium–zirconia implant systems introduce new considerations regarding surface stability. This scoping review, conducted in accordance with PRISMA-ScR guidelines, summarizes the current evidence on degradation mechanisms affecting titanium, zirconia, and hybrid dental implants, with particular focus on processes occurring in the oral environment and their biological and clinical implications. The available evidence differs substantially between the two materials. While titanium degradation is well documented and supported by both experimental and clinical studies, the evidence for a hybrid implant remains limited and is largely based on in vitro and mechanistic data. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Functional Coatings for Dental Implants and Periodontal Regeneration)

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16 pages, 13304 KB

Open AccessArticle

Atomic-Level Investigation of Ni-W Film Growth on Al(001) Surface: Molecular Dynamics Simulation

by Desen Cheng, Shuaijiang Ma, Yongchao Zhu, Mengya Li and Yajun Zhou

Coatings 2026, 16(4), 503; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings16040503 - 21 Apr 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1095

Abstract

Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were performed to investigate the dynamic deposition behavior, growth mechanism, and mechanical properties of nickel–tungsten (Ni-W) alloy films on single-crystal Al(001) substrates. The results demonstrate that the incorporation of W atoms lowers the Ehrlich–Schwoebel (ES) barrier for Ni adatoms, [...] Read more.

Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were performed to investigate the dynamic deposition behavior, growth mechanism, and mechanical properties of nickel–tungsten (Ni-W) alloy films on single-crystal Al(001) substrates. The results demonstrate that the incorporation of W atoms lowers the Ehrlich–Schwoebel (ES) barrier for Ni adatoms, facilitating downhill diffusion and effectively suppressing Volmer–Weber (VW) mode, thereby improving surface morphology and reducing film roughness. Additionally, W atoms exhibit a tendency to segregate at grain boundaries, inducing lattice distortion and structural disorder. With increasing W content (≥15 at%), the films undergo a transition from a nanocrystalline to an amorphous structure. Nanoindentation simulations reveal that film hardness increases with W content, with the strengthening mechanism being composition-dependent: dislocation pinning dominates at low W concentrations (≤5 at%), while the formation of an amorphous structure emerges as the primary strengthening mechanism at higher W contents (≥15 at%). This work elucidates the growth regulation and strengthening mechanisms of Ni-W films from an atomic-scale perspective, providing a theoretical foundation and simulation-driven guidance for the design and optimization of high-performance, environmentally benign Ni-W coatings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research Progress and Prospect of Functional Thin Films & Hard Protective Coatings)

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2 pages, 129 KB

Open AccessRetraction

RETRACTED: Ahmad et al. Lanthanum-Zinc Binary Oxide Nanocomposite with Promising Heterogeneous Catalysis Performance for the Active Conversion of 4-Nitrophenol into 4-Aminophenol. Coatings 2021, 11, 537

by Ikram Ahmad, Muhammad Asghar Jamal, Miara Iftikhar, Awais Ahmad, Shahid Hussain, Humaira Asghar, Muhammad Saeed, Ammar Bin Yousaf, Rama Rao Karri, Nada Sulaymaniyah Al-kadhi, Mohamed Ouladsmane, Ayman Ghfar and Safia Khan

Coatings 2026, 16(4), 502; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings16040502 - 21 Apr 2026

Viewed by 563

Abstract

The journal retracts the article titled “Lanthanum-Zinc Binary Oxide Nanocomposite with Promising Heterogeneous Catalysis Performance for the Active Conversion of 4-Nitrophenol into 4-Aminophenol” [...] Full article

25 pages, 18774 KB

Open AccessArticle

Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.) Leaf Extract as a Green Corrosion Inhibitor for Copper in Sulfuric Acid Media

by Yongyan Xu, Yue Gao, Jun Wang, Kai Zhang, Yuhao Zhang, Wenjing Yang, Ruby Aslam and Qihui Wang

Coatings 2026, 16(4), 501; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings16040501 - 20 Apr 2026

Viewed by 589

Abstract

The objective of this study is to develop and assess the feasibility of utilizing lotus (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.) leaf extract as a green corrosion inhibitor for copper in a sulfuric acid environment. The inhibitory efficacy was comprehensively evaluated using a multi-technique approach, [...] Read more.

The objective of this study is to develop and assess the feasibility of utilizing lotus (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.) leaf extract as a green corrosion inhibitor for copper in a sulfuric acid environment. The inhibitory efficacy was comprehensively evaluated using a multi-technique approach, incorporating electrochemical measurements, weight loss analysis, theoretical analysis, and surface morphological characterization. The experimental results demonstrate that the lotus leaf extract functions as an efficient corrosion inhibitor for copper, achieving an inhibition efficiency of 88.07% at 700 mg/L by effectively suppressing both cathodic and anodic corrosion processes. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) confirmed the protective effect, whereas X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) identified functional groups and surface interaction between metal and inhibitor. Theoretical calculations further confirmed the involvement of nitrogen (N) and oxygen (O) as the key active sites. Adsorption behavior adheres to the Langmuir isotherm model, involving both physical and chemical adsorption processes that inhibit the Cu⁺→Cu²⁺ oxidation reaction. This study demonstrates acid-resistant protection of copper using lotus leaf extract. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Coatings and Materials for Corrosion Mitigation and Environmental Remediation)

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30 pages, 2966 KB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of PVD TiN Coatings on the Wear Behavior and Durability of HSS Milling Tools in Solid Wood Machining

by Cristina Vasilica Icociu, Nicoleta Elisabeta Pascu, Eduard Bendic, Dan Dobrotă, Gabriel Tiberiu Dobrescu and Ionela Magdalena Rotaru

Coatings 2026, 16(4), 500; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings16040500 - 20 Apr 2026

Viewed by 947

Abstract

Tool wear remains a critical limiting factor in machining performance, particularly in dry cutting conditions where friction and tribological interactions dominate. This study investigates the influence of a 5–8 μm PVD-deposited TiN coating on the wear behavior of high-speed steel (HSS) end mills [...] Read more.

Tool wear remains a critical limiting factor in machining performance, particularly in dry cutting conditions where friction and tribological interactions dominate. This study investigates the influence of a 5–8 μm PVD-deposited TiN coating on the wear behavior of high-speed steel (HSS) end mills during milling of three representative wood species (oak, beech, and fir). A spatially resolved wear evaluation methodology was employed, based on ten measurement points distributed along a 20 mm active cutting edge, enabling simultaneous assessment of mean wear and maximum localized wear (Umax). A factorial experimental design combining material type and feed rate (1500–2500 mm/min) was analyzed using two-way ANOVA with effect size quantification (η²). The results reveal a statistically significant reduction in mean wear for TiN-coated tools (F = 7.46, p = 0.0195, η² = 0.34), corresponding to an average decrease of approximately 46% compared to uncoated tools. Maximum wear was influenced by both coating (F = 14.73, p = 0.0028, η² = 0.399) and material (F = 4.37, p = 0.040, η² = 0.237). The experimental findings are interpreted through a tribological framework, indicating a transition from abrasion- and micro-chipping-dominated degradation in uncoated tools to a controlled wear regime in TiN-coated tools, characterized by reduced asperity penetration, delayed crack initiation, and limited tribochemical interactions. These results demonstrate that coating effects dominate global wear evolution, while material properties influence localized degradation. The proposed combined experimental–statistical–mechanistic approach provides a robust framework for understanding and optimizing tool performance in dry machining environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Metal Surface Process)

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25 pages, 5297 KB

Open AccessArticle

Self-Healing Coating with Ultrasound-Triggered On-Demand Osthole Release for Magnesium-Based Orthopedic Implants

by Yue Fan, Shiyu Jin, Yumeng Dong, Feiyang Wang, Junyan Yao, Juyi Yang, Lu Zhang, Shuyi Wang, Cheng Wang, Jing Bai, Feng Xue, Chenglin Chu, Junqing Ma, Yanbin Zhao and Paul K. Chu

Coatings 2026, 16(4), 499; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings16040499 - 20 Apr 2026

Viewed by 501

Abstract

Magnesium alloys exhibit promising application prospects in medical orthopedic implants. However, their practical applications are limited by rapid corrosion, suboptimal osseointegration, and implant-related infections. Although conventional drug-eluting polymer coatings can provide various biological functions, the uncontrolled drug release often compromises long-term therapeutic efficacy. [...] Read more.

Magnesium alloys exhibit promising application prospects in medical orthopedic implants. However, their practical applications are limited by rapid corrosion, suboptimal osseointegration, and implant-related infections. Although conventional drug-eluting polymer coatings can provide various biological functions, the uncontrolled drug release often compromises long-term therapeutic efficacy. In this study, a self-healing Mg-poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL)@OHF coating is designed and prepared on WE43 Mg by spin coating to achieve ultrasound-triggered release of osthole. OHF consists of osthole-loaded hollow mesoporous silica nanoparticles (HMSs) modified with Pluronic F127. Drug release studies show that the nanocapsules respond to ultrasound stimulation, with the cumulative release increasing from 39.94% to 75.93% after 7 days. Furthermore, the coating demonstrates intrinsic self-healing capacity upon thermal treatment at 50 °C. Electrochemical and immersion tests reveal that the composite coating provides good barrier protection for the WE43 Mg alloy, evidenced by a decrease in corrosion current density from 2.04 × 10⁻⁶ to 5.94 × 10⁻⁷ A/cm². In vitro biological assays confirm the antibacterial efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, as well as the ability to promote osteogenic differentiation. The results reveal a surface modification strategy that combines self-healing, anticorrosion, and on-demand drug release, offering a promising approach for advanced orthopedic implants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Surface Engineering of Bone Implants)

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16 pages, 5135 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Utilization of β-Hemihydrate Phosphogypsum Coating with Radiative Cooling and Superhydrophobic Properties for Outdoor Cooling Requirements

by Mengzi Wang, Xinyu Tan, Lei Jin, Guiguang Qi, Weiwei Hu, Shengyu Chen, Silu Li, Yulong Qiao, Xiaobo Chen and Shengchao Qiu

Coatings 2026, 16(4), 498; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings16040498 - 20 Apr 2026

Viewed by 654

Abstract

The inefficient utilization of industrial by-product phosphogypsum, coupled with the increasing global demand for cooling, has spurred the development of sustainable radiative cooling materials. Compared with conventional cooling coatings that primarily rely on expensive synthetic materials or complex fabrication processes, this study provides [...] Read more.

The inefficient utilization of industrial by-product phosphogypsum, coupled with the increasing global demand for cooling, has spurred the development of sustainable radiative cooling materials. Compared with conventional cooling coatings that primarily rely on expensive synthetic materials or complex fabrication processes, this study provides a promising cost-effective and sustainable route for integrating industrial solid waste valorization with zero-energy cooling technologies. In this study, we fabricated a composite coating (β-HPG@CA/SiO₂@OTS) consisting of β-hemihydrate phosphogypsum (β-HPG), a derivative product of phosphogypsum, cellulose acetate (CA), SiO₂ particles and octadecyltrichlorosilane (OTS) by a facile combination of blade coating and spraying, which exhibited strong solar reflectivity (90.9%), high mid-infrared emissivity (98.7%) and satisfactory superhydrophobicity (157°). The as-prepared composite achieved an ambient temperature drop of 18.7 °C under direct sunlight during sunny weather, achieving a net cooling power of 92.23 W/m². Meanwhile, the composite coating exhibits excellent durability after prolonged immersion in strongly acidic and alkaline solutions, ultraviolet radiation and outdoor testing. Owing to its simple fabrication process and robust cooling performance, this coating shows promise for scalable production and practical outdoor applications, such as building envelopes and equipment enclosures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Environmental Aspects in Colloid and Interface Science)

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1 pages, 124 KB

Open AccessRetraction

RETRACTED: Raees et al. Synthesis and Characterization of CeO₂/CuO Nanocomposites for Photocatalytic Degradation of Methylene Blue in Visible Light. Coatings 2021, 11, 305

by Alia Raees, Muhammad Asghar Jamal, Ikram Ahmed, Mika Silanpaa and Tahani Saad Algarni

Coatings 2026, 16(4), 497; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings16040497 - 20 Apr 2026

Viewed by 467

Abstract

The Journal retracts the article “Synthesis and Characterization of CeO₂/CuO Nanocomposites for Photocatalytic Degradation of Methylene Blue in Visible Light” [...] Full article

15 pages, 4445 KB

Open AccessArticle

Chemical and Morphological Characterization of ITO/PZT, Ag/PZT, and PZT Discs for Transparent Piezoelectric and Photonic Applications

by Frederick Alexander Harford, Nicoleta Nedelcu, Dylan Webb, Cristian Rugină and Arcadie Sobetkii

Coatings 2026, 16(4), 496; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings16040496 - 19 Apr 2026

Viewed by 1077

Abstract

This study presents the results of chemical and morphological analyses of conductive layers, indium tin oxide (ITO) and silver, deposited on lead zirconium titanate (PZT) substrates, in the form of ITO/PZT, Ag/PZT, and PZT buffer samples. The buffer layer was also examined to [...] Read more.

This study presents the results of chemical and morphological analyses of conductive layers, indium tin oxide (ITO) and silver, deposited on lead zirconium titanate (PZT) substrates, in the form of ITO/PZT, Ag/PZT, and PZT buffer samples. The buffer layer was also examined to assess any potential impacts on the interface and was obtained by etching silver-coated PZT discs in an acid sonification bath. The ITO/PZT discs were obtained by DC sputtering. Chemical and morphological analyses were conducted using Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). XRD analysis revealed distinct diffraction peaks corresponding to the composition and crystalline structure of the various discs. This established the presence of the expected face-centered cubic (FCC) structure of silver, the perovskite phase of PZT, and the cubic bixbyite structure of the conductive ITO layer. SEM/EDS illustrated the particle distribution and elemental composition of the samples. Raman spectroscopy further corroborated the presence and identity of the surface layers of the samples. The results demonstrate that ITO/PZT structures have the expected compositions and identified impurities. SEM results give insight into possible effects on piezoelectric effects and integration into opto-electronic devices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Optical Coatings and Thin Films)

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24 pages, 11871 KB

Open AccessArticle

Machine Learning-Based Prediction of Micromechanical Properties of GAP-BPS Binders Using Molecular Simulation Data

by Haitao Zheng, Wei Zhou, Peng Cao, Xianqiong Tang, Xing Zhou and Boyuan Yin

Coatings 2026, 16(4), 495; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings16040495 - 18 Apr 2026

Viewed by 559

Abstract

The crosslinked binders formed by using glycidyl azide polymer (GAP) as the binder matrix and bis-propargyl succinate (BPS) as the curing agent have good application prospects in the field of solid propellants. Aiming at the shortcomings of traditional experimental research, such as high [...] Read more.

The crosslinked binders formed by using glycidyl azide polymer (GAP) as the binder matrix and bis-propargyl succinate (BPS) as the curing agent have good application prospects in the field of solid propellants. Aiming at the shortcomings of traditional experimental research, such as high cost, and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation, which are time-consuming for complex combination problems, this study will realize accurate prediction of the mechanical properties of binders through machine learning (ML) based on the molecular simulation dataset. Firstly, 273 sets of GAP-BPS binder models under different conditions were formed based on 21 crosslinking degrees and 13 temperatures, and MD simulation and mechanical property simulation were carried out. Then, the initial conditions of molecular simulation (crosslinking degree, temperature) and structural parameters (free volume) were taken as features, and the bulk modulus and shear modulus were taken as labels to form the dataset. Three machine learning models were trained and evaluated based on this dataset to test their prediction performance. Based on the cross-validation results, the Tabular Prior Data Fitting Network (TabPFN) exhibits the highest average prediction values (the average R² for bulk modulus and shear modulus were 0.9684 and 0.8827, respectively). But the significance analysis reveals that TabPFN significantly outperforms the RF model only in predicting bulk modulus. In subsequent prediction tasks with smaller datasets, TabPFN achieves superior average prediction values compared with RF and XGBoost. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Functional Polymer Coatings and Films)

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18 pages, 9006 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Influence of Indium Component on the Preparation of a-IGZO Metal-Semiconductor-Metal Ultraviolet Photodetector by Sol–Gel Method

by Xianrong Liu, Yong Li, Shun Li, Jie Peng, Ji Li, Hao Qin, Mingzhe Hu, Tianjun Dai, Yanbin Huang, Qin Tian, Lei Zha, Xiaoqiang Wang, Jiangping Luo and Zhangyu Zhou

Coatings 2026, 16(4), 494; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings16040494 - 18 Apr 2026

Viewed by 433

Abstract

In this study, the indium (In) composition in amorphous indium gallium zinc oxide (a-IGZO) thin films was systematically varied from 33% to 84% using a sol–gel process. Subsequently, aluminum/IGZO/aluminum (Al/IGZO/Al) metal–semiconductor–metal (MSM) UV photodetectors were fabricated to investigate the influence of composition on [...] Read more.

In this study, the indium (In) composition in amorphous indium gallium zinc oxide (a-IGZO) thin films was systematically varied from 33% to 84% using a sol–gel process. Subsequently, aluminum/IGZO/aluminum (Al/IGZO/Al) metal–semiconductor–metal (MSM) UV photodetectors were fabricated to investigate the influence of composition on the structural, optical, and photoelectric properties. The results indicate that all films maintain an amorphous structure despite the increasing In content, while the ratio of oxygen vacancies, O_vac/(M-O + O_vac), rises from 36% to 52%. Concurrently, the optical bandgap decreases from 2.92 eV to 2.32 eV. Under a bias of 20 V, the dark current increases from 2.11 × 10⁻⁹ A to 1.90 × 10⁻⁵ A as the In content rises. When illuminated by a 360 nm LED with a power density of 8.6 mW/cm², the device with 60% In exhibits a photocurrent-to-dark-current ratio of approximately 10⁴, a responsivity of 19.45 A/W, and a specific detectivity of 8.19 × 10¹² Jones. The response time and recovery time of this device are 39.8 s and 577.4 s, respectively. These findings reveal a competitive relationship between enhanced optical absorption and defect generation induced by In composition, providing valuable guidance for the performance optimization of a-IGZO UV photodetectors through compositional engineering. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Metasurfaces and Low-Dimensional Materials for Photonic and Optoelectronic Applications)

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22 pages, 9386 KB

Open AccessArticle

The KO-KUTANI Honzenji Temple Bowl: The Porcelain of the Maeda Daimyō—A Mystery Resolved

by Riccardo Montanari, Hiroharu Murase, Maria Francesca Alberghina, Salvatore Schiavone and Claudia Pelosi

Coatings 2026, 16(4), 493; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings16040493 - 18 Apr 2026

Viewed by 607

Abstract

The present work aimed at resolving the mystery accompanying the famous Ko-Kutani Honzenji temple shallow bowl by investigating the main elements associated with the coating composition in the surface decoration. This unique vessel belongs to Honzenji temple, located in the Maeda Domain (today’s [...] Read more.

The present work aimed at resolving the mystery accompanying the famous Ko-Kutani Honzenji temple shallow bowl by investigating the main elements associated with the coating composition in the surface decoration. This unique vessel belongs to Honzenji temple, located in the Maeda Domain (today’s Ishikawa Prefecture) and is on display at the Ishikawa Prefecture Kutaniyaki Art Museum in Kaga. The Honzenji temple bowl bears a cryptic figure painted in red enamel on the underside and story has it that the Maeda Lord himself may have painted it in the mid-17th century, thus making the bowl a very relevant piece of the history of the Maeda clan, Ishikawa Prefecture (Maeda fiefdom in the Edo period), and Japanese porcelain as a whole. Yet the identification of the actual firing date of the bowl has proven a daunting task for curators worldwide. On the basis of the previously published studies on the world’s most extensive collection of Ko-Kutani Masterpieces belonging to the Ishikawa Prefectural Museum of Art, and shards excavated at Kaga kiln sites, including the celebrated Hakuji bowl (Ishikawa Archaeological Foundation), both conducted by Energy-Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence spectroscopy (pED-XRF), and in consideration of the absolute prohibition to sample or even touch the Honzenji bowl, pED-XRF was once again selected as the most suitable technique for the analysis of all the enamels and glazing materials. Analytical evidence, for the first time ever, has proven crucial to resolving the issue by enabling the precise dating of the bowl and unveiling the true story behind its technical features and the cryptic underside decoration. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Cultural Heritage and Protective Coatings)

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13 pages, 1674 KB

Open AccessArticle

Cascaded Junction-Enabled Polarity-Programmable Dual-Color Photodetector for Intelligent Spectral Sensing

by Juntong Liu, Xin Li, Junzhe Gu, Jin Chen, Feilong Yu, Yuxin Song, Jiaji Yang, Guanhai Li, Xiaoshuang Chen and Wei Lu

Coatings 2026, 16(4), 492; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings16040492 - 18 Apr 2026

Viewed by 524

Abstract

Conventional multispectral photodetectors typically rely on multiple electrical terminals to discriminate different wavelengths, which inevitably increases structural complexity. Here, we break this paradigm by demonstrating a dual-color visible–infrared photodetector based on a simple two-terminal Au/MoS₂/Te heterostructure. The device operates through a [...] Read more.

Conventional multispectral photodetectors typically rely on multiple electrical terminals to discriminate different wavelengths, which inevitably increases structural complexity. Here, we break this paradigm by demonstrating a dual-color visible–infrared photodetector based on a simple two-terminal Au/MoS₂/Te heterostructure. The device operates through a bias-switching mechanism: reversing the voltage polarity selectively activates either the MoS₂/Au Schottky junction for visible-light detection (520 nm) or the Te/MoS₂ heterojunction for infrared detection (1550 nm). This bias-controlled wavelength selectivity is unambiguously verified by scanning photocurrent mapping. Beyond dual-color discrimination, an adaptive convolutional neural network is employed to decode the nonlinear current–voltage characteristics and enable precise spectral identification, achieving a reconstruction error of approximately 4.5%. Furthermore, high-fidelity dual-color imaging is demonstrated at room temperature. These results establish a hardware–algorithm co-design strategy based on a minimalist two-terminal architecture, providing a viable route toward compact and intelligent spectral-sensing systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Surface Engineering for Energy Harvesting, Conversion, and Storage)

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17 pages, 4042 KB

Open AccessArticle

Relationship Between Structure/Microstructure and Hardness of CrMnFeCoNiX_0.5 High-Entropy Alloys with Refractory Metals X = V and Mo Obtained by Mechanical Alloying

by Alfredo Martinez Garcia, Sergio González, José Manuel Mendoza Duarte, Cynthia Deisy Gómez Esparza, Marco Antonio Ruiz Esparza Rodríguez, Abel Hurtado Macías, Erick Adrián Juarez Arellano, Emmanuel José Gutiérrez Castañeda, Xóchitl Atanacio Sánchez, Carlos Gamaliel Garay Reyes and Roberto Martínez Sánchez

Coatings 2026, 16(4), 491; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings16040491 - 18 Apr 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 725

Abstract

The present study examined the interactions between the structure, microstructure and mechanical properties of CrMnFeCoNi, CrMnFeCoNiV_0.5 and CrMnFeCoNiMo_0.5 High-Entropy Alloys (HEAs). Starting from elemental powders, the HEAs were obtained by high-energy ball milling, followed by vacuum annealing at 1373 K for [...] Read more.

The present study examined the interactions between the structure, microstructure and mechanical properties of CrMnFeCoNi, CrMnFeCoNiV_0.5 and CrMnFeCoNiMo_0.5 High-Entropy Alloys (HEAs). Starting from elemental powders, the HEAs were obtained by high-energy ball milling, followed by vacuum annealing at 1373 K for 1 h. After milling, a binary FCC-BCC solid solution was formed; the samples showed hardness values ranging from 800 to 973 HV. Evidence shows that annealing HEAs reduced the solubility of V and Mo in the alloys’ FCC structure. Additionally, the Cr content in the FCC phase also decreases. The carbon derived from the decomposition of the process control agent was trapped in the interstices of the HEA structure during mechanical alloying. This amount of carbon is sufficient to form carbides during annealing. The thermodynamic stability of the precursor elements in HEAs is a determining factor in M_xC_y-type formation. The hardness response of HEAs was associated with the HEAs’ structure, while the elastic modulus was affected by their microstructure. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Surface Characterization, Deposition and Modification)

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14 pages, 4278 KB

Open AccessArticle

Study on the Wear Resistance of Laser Cladding h-BN Reinforced by TiCN/Ni-Based Coating on TC4 Alloy Surface

by Yu Liu, Guohui Li, Ruoyu Xu, Hui Liang, Nan Ma and Zhanhui Zhang

Coatings 2026, 16(4), 490; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings16040490 - 18 Apr 2026

Viewed by 447

Abstract

Three Ni-based composite coatings with varying TiCN/h-BN contents were fabricated on the surface of Ti-6Al-4V (TC4) alloy by laser cladding. The coatings were formulated with a fixed 15% TiCN and 0%, 2% and 5% h-BN, corresponding to L1–L3 coatings. The microstructure and phase [...] Read more.

Three Ni-based composite coatings with varying TiCN/h-BN contents were fabricated on the surface of Ti-6Al-4V (TC4) alloy by laser cladding. The coatings were formulated with a fixed 15% TiCN and 0%, 2% and 5% h-BN, corresponding to L1–L3 coatings. The microstructure and phase composition were fully characterized and investigated. In addition, the microhardness and wear resistance of the coating were evaluated too. The analysis revealed that the L1–L3 coatings primarily consisted of Ti, TiNi, Ti(C, N) and TiAl₃ phases. Microstructural analysis indicated that the top region of the coating was predominantly composed of granular crystals, while the middle and bonding regions featured a combination of dendrites and white granular crystals. The average microhardness values for the L1–L3 coatings were measured at 1203.8, 1216.8 and 1235.5 HV_0.2, respectively, while the corresponding wear volumes were 0.098, 0.094 and 0.086 mm³. As the h-BN content increased, the microstructure of the Ni-based composite coating became finer and finer. Some TiB particles were also generated in the coating, which made the average microhardness and wear resistance increase gradually. Notably, the coating with 5% h-BN demonstrated the highest average microhardness and optimal wear resistance. Compared with the substrate, 5% h-BN increased the wear resistance of the substrate by 47.6%. The primary wear mechanism observed was abrasive wear. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modern Methods of Shaping the Structure and Properties of Coatings, 2nd Edition)

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20 pages, 3829 KB

Open AccessArticle

Hemp Seed Protein-Based Emulsion Films Containing Propolis Flavonoids: Enhanced Physicochemical Properties and Preservation of Chilled Pork

by Yuhan Cui, Youxin Yan, Yuhang Tian, Xuan Li and Feng Xue

Coatings 2026, 16(4), 489; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings16040489 - 17 Apr 2026

Viewed by 859

Abstract

Hydrophilic colloids are ideal materials for preparing edible films; however, their intrinsic hydrophilicity leads to poor hydrophobicity in the resulting films. Emulsion-based films can significantly improve the hydrophobicity of films made from hydrophilic colloids, but this approach tends to disrupt intermolecular interactions within [...] Read more.

Hydrophilic colloids are ideal materials for preparing edible films; however, their intrinsic hydrophilicity leads to poor hydrophobicity in the resulting films. Emulsion-based films can significantly improve the hydrophobicity of films made from hydrophilic colloids, but this approach tends to disrupt intermolecular interactions within the film matrix. Phenolic compounds can compensate for this drawback by promoting crosslinking among film-forming polymers. In this study, hemp seed protein was used as the film-forming matrix, and rose essential oil was incorporated to prepare emulsion-based films. Different amounts of propolis flavonoids were added to investigate their effects on the physicochemical properties of the films. The results show that the addition of propolis flavonoids significantly reduced film whiteness (9%–45%), thickness (6%–37%), light transmittance (9%–60%), water vapor transmission rate (34%–65%), and peroxide value (25%–76%) of oil, while increasing tensile strength (15%–149%), elongation at break (24%–95%), Young’s modulus (26%–140%), surface hydrophobicity, thermal stability, and antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Furthermore, pork wrapped with flavonoid-containing films exhibited inhibition of microbial growth, lipid oxidation, protein degradation, and maintained firmness. Therefore, propolis flavonoids represent a potential active ingredient for improving the physicochemical properties and preservative performance of emulsion-based films. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biopolymer-Derived Edible and Biodegradable Films and Coatings)

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18 pages, 3217 KB

Open AccessArticle

Machine Learning-Based Prediction of Multi-Year Cumulative Atmospheric Corrosion Loss in Low-Alloy Steels with SHAP Analysis

by Saurabh Tiwari, Seong Jun Heo and Nokeun Park

Coatings 2026, 16(4), 488; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings16040488 - 17 Apr 2026

Viewed by 594

Abstract

Atmospheric corrosion of carbon and low-alloy steels causes direct economic losses that are estimated at around 3.4% of the global GDP, and its accurate multi-year prediction is essential for protective coating selection, service-life estimation, and infrastructure maintenance scheduling. In this study, machine learning [...] Read more.

Atmospheric corrosion of carbon and low-alloy steels causes direct economic losses that are estimated at around 3.4% of the global GDP, and its accurate multi-year prediction is essential for protective coating selection, service-life estimation, and infrastructure maintenance scheduling. In this study, machine learning (ML) algorithms, including gradient boosting regressor (GBR), eXtreme gradient boosting (XGBoost), random forest (RF), support vector regression (SVR), and ridge regression, were trained on a 600-sample physics-grounded dataset to predict the cumulative atmospheric corrosion loss (µm) of low-alloy steels over 1–10 years of exposure. The dataset was constructed using the exact ISO 9223:2012 dose–response function (DRF) for a first-year corrosion rate and the ISO 9224:2012 power-law multi-year kinetic model (C(t) = C₁·t0.5), spanning ISO 9223 corrosivity categories C2–CX across 11 environmental and material input features. All models were evaluated on the original (untransformed) corrosion scale under an 80/20 train/test split and five-fold cross-validation. Gradient boosting achieved the best overall performance with test set R² = 0.968, CV-R² = 0.969, RMSE = 10.58 µm, MAE = 5.99 µm, and MAPE = 12.6%. XGBoost was a close second (R² = 0.958, CV-R² = 0.960). RF achieved an R² of 0.944. SHAP (SHapley Additive exPlanations) analysis identified SO₂ deposition rate, exposure time, relative humidity, Cl⁻ deposition rate, and temperature as the five most influential predictors. The dominance of the SO₂ deposition rate (mean |SHAP| = 26.37 µm) and the high second-place ranking of exposure time (13.67 µm) are fully consistent with the ISO 9223:2012 dose–response function and ISO 9224:2012 power-law kinetics, respectively, while among the material features, Cu and Cr contents showed the strongest negative SHAP contributions, confirming their corrosion-inhibiting roles in weathering steels. These results establish a physics-consistent, interpretable ML benchmark exceeding R² = 0.90 for multi-year cumulative corrosion loss prediction and provide a quantitative tool for alloy screening, coating selection in aggressive atmospheric environments, and service-life planning. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Anti-Corrosion and Anti-Wear Coatings: Fundamentals, Technologies, and Applications)

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16 pages, 2543 KB

Open AccessArticle

Modeling Reversible In Vivo-like Insulin Resistance Using Long-Term Adipocyte Spheroid Culture

by Sheetal Chowdhury, Joshua S. Speed, Gene L. Bidwell III and Amol V. Janorkar

Coatings 2026, 16(4), 487; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings16040487 - 17 Apr 2026

Viewed by 469

Abstract

Human adipose biology is strongly influenced by three-dimensional (3D) architecture, cell–cell interactions, and local oxygen availability maintained over a long-term culture period, features that are not reproduced in traditional two-dimensional (2D) culture systems. To address this gap, we established a long-term human adipose-derived [...] Read more.

Human adipose biology is strongly influenced by three-dimensional (3D) architecture, cell–cell interactions, and local oxygen availability maintained over a long-term culture period, features that are not reproduced in traditional two-dimensional (2D) culture systems. To address this gap, we established a long-term human adipose-derived stem cell (hASC) spheroid model using elastin-like polypeptide–polyethyleneimine (ELP-PEI) coating. The ELP-PEI coating facilitated stable spheroid formation and sustained adipogenic differentiation over 56 days. As spheroids enlarged and matured, they exhibited hallmark features of adipocytes, including lipid accumulation, morphological compaction, and transition out of the proliferative state. Glucose uptake increased during maturation and declined as spheroids became larger. This reduction coincided with a marked rise in hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) expression, indicating the emergence of a hypoxic microenvironment within larger spheroids. Notably, inhibiting HIF-1α restored insulin-stimulated glucose uptake, demonstrating that hypoxia was the primary driver of impaired insulin responsiveness in late-stage spheroids. These findings position ELP-PEI-supported hASC spheroids as a practical and physiologically relevant platform for studying human adipocyte biology, particularly the development and reversibility of hypoxia-associated metabolic dysfunction. This model offers new opportunities for mechanistic studies and for evaluating therapeutic strategies targeting insulin resistance and adipose tissue pathology. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Films and Coatings with Biomedical Applications)

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17 pages, 3188 KB

Open AccessArticle

Failure Analysis of Corrosion Perforation in P110 Tubing from a Nitrogen-Injection Well Induced by Coating Detachment

by Hanwen Zhang, Wenguang Zeng, Huan Hu, Ke Zhang, Lingfeng Huo, Yujie Guo, Jiangjiang Zhang and Dezhi Zeng

Coatings 2026, 16(4), 486; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings16040486 - 17 Apr 2026

Viewed by 433

Abstract

This study investigates the causes and mechanisms of a corrosion-induced perforation failure in P110 tubing from a nitrogen injection well in the Tahe Oilfield. A comprehensive analysis was performed using macroscopic examination, mechanical and chemical property testing, characterization of corrosion product morphology and [...] Read more.

This study investigates the causes and mechanisms of a corrosion-induced perforation failure in P110 tubing from a nitrogen injection well in the Tahe Oilfield. A comprehensive analysis was performed using macroscopic examination, mechanical and chemical property testing, characterization of corrosion product morphology and composition, and electrochemical measurements. The results show that the tubing material met all relevant standard requirements, ruling out intrinsic material defects as a contributing factor. The primary cause of failure was the breakdown of the internal coating. Poor coating adhesion in the older tubing from the shallow section, combined with the tensile stress from the tubing’s suspended weight and the acidic service environment, led to coating blistering and disbondment, thereby exposing the underlying steel. In the presence of H₂S, CO₂, and O₂, severe electrochemical corrosion developed on the exposed metal surface. The process was further accelerated by a high concentration of Cl⁻, which promoted rapid localized corrosion and ultimately resulted in perforation. Based on these findings, several targeted mitigation strategies are proposed. These include optimizing the coating process to improve adhesion and modifying the corrosive environment. The recommendations provide practical guidance for corrosion control in similar oil and gas well applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Metal Surface Process)

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15 pages, 2436 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Coupled Deterioration Effect of Recycled Concrete Aggregate and Seawater Sea Sand on Steel Corrosion: An Electrochemical Study

by Shuyi Miao, Kehua Sun, Xiang Chen, Jiren Xu and Xinxin Cao

Coatings 2026, 16(4), 485; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings16040485 - 17 Apr 2026

Viewed by 431

Abstract

To address the shortage of natural aggregates and freshwater, and promote the recycling of construction and demolition waste and localized construction materials for marine engineering, this study explores the electrochemical corrosion characteristics and deterioration mechanism of steel bars in recycled concrete aggregate (RCA)–seawater [...] Read more.

To address the shortage of natural aggregates and freshwater, and promote the recycling of construction and demolition waste and localized construction materials for marine engineering, this study explores the electrochemical corrosion characteristics and deterioration mechanism of steel bars in recycled concrete aggregate (RCA)–seawater sea-sand concrete (SSC) concrete. Using RCA replacement rates (0%, 50%, 100%) as the core variable, specimens were prepared. Vacuum water saturation, open-circuit potential (OCP) monitoring, Tafel polarization scanning and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were adopted to study steel corrosion evolution within 180 days. The results show that RCA incorporation accelerates OCP negative drift and reduces passivation film stability, with more severe corrosion at higher replacement rates: the RCA100 group showed obvious corrosion after 60 days, while the RCA50 and RCA0 groups initiated corrosion at 90 days (RCA50 corroded faster). The surface mortar and internal microcracks of RCA enhance the water absorption and ion permeability of concrete, which, coupled with chloride ions, accelerates steel corrosion. This study clarifies the correlation between RCA replacement rate and corrosion parameters, providing data support for mix ratio optimization and marine engineering applications. Full article

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18 pages, 3285 KB

Open AccessArticle

Research on the Preparation of Red Mud High-Performance Cement Mortar and the Corresponding Resistance to Dry–Wet Alternation Cycles of Exposure to Chloride and Sulfate Solutions

by Ligai Bai, Chunying Zhu, Jian Zhang, Jiameng Wan, Junzhe Liu, Kangshuo Xia, Feiting Shi and Huihui Tong

Coatings 2026, 16(4), 484; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings16040484 - 17 Apr 2026

Viewed by 928

Abstract

The accumulation of highly alkaline red mud poses serious environmental risks due to land occupation and potential soil/groundwater contamination. Recycling red mud as a secondary resource offers an eco-friendly solution, yet its influence on the performance of high-performance mortar (HPM) remains incompletely understood, [...] Read more.

The accumulation of highly alkaline red mud poses serious environmental risks due to land occupation and potential soil/groundwater contamination. Recycling red mud as a secondary resource offers an eco-friendly solution, yet its influence on the performance of high-performance mortar (HPM) remains incompletely understood, particularly in aggressive environments. This study aims to systematically evaluate the effects of red mud on the fresh and hardened properties of HPM, including rheological parameters, setting time, mechanical strength, drying shrinkage, and sulfate dry–wet erosion resistance. The novelty lies in (1) quantifying the nonlinear relationships between red mud content and rheological/setting behaviors, (2) revealing the dual effect of red mud with curing age, and (3) using XRD/SEM-EDS to elucidate the micro-mechanisms related to hydration products and elemental changes (Al and Fe). The results show that increasing red mud content reduces slump flow (max 76.03%), plastic viscosity (46.7%), and yield stress (42.3%) while also shortening initial/final setting times (67.91% and 76.18% max reductions). At curing ages below 7 days, flexural and compressive strength increase (up to 64.53% and 33.35%, respectively), following cubic functions; however, at 7 and 28 days, both strength values decrease (max reductions of 13.43% and 12.98%). Red mud increases drying shrinkage and delays sulfate-induced degradation. Microstructural analysis reveals improved compactness of hydration products at early ages but reduced compactness at later ages, accompanied by increased Al/Fe content and enhanced SiO₂/calcium silicate hydrate crystals. These findings provide valuable insights for applying red mud HPM in marine environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Surface Treatment and Mechanical Properties of Sustainable Pavement Materials, 2nd Edition)

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18 pages, 2531 KB

Open AccessArticle

In Vitro Investigation of Antithrombotic Performance of Bivalirudin and Aspirin Dual-Modified Polycaprolactone Vascular Grafts

by Yuxin Tan, Rui Luan, Jiashuai Zhang, Huilin Mo, Yu Ren, Wei Zhang and Meixian Li

Coatings 2026, 16(4), 483; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings16040483 - 17 Apr 2026

Viewed by 519

Abstract

The clinical application of small-diameter vascular grafts (SDVGs; <6 mm) is limited by thrombosis and mediated by protein adsorption, platelet activation, and coagulation. To address this, we develop a dual-modified polycaprolactone (PCL) graft via covalent conjugation of bivalirudin (BV), a direct thrombin inhibitor, [...] Read more.

The clinical application of small-diameter vascular grafts (SDVGs; <6 mm) is limited by thrombosis and mediated by protein adsorption, platelet activation, and coagulation. To address this, we develop a dual-modified polycaprolactone (PCL) graft via covalent conjugation of bivalirudin (BV), a direct thrombin inhibitor, and aspirin (ASA), a cyclooxygenase-1 suppressor. Compared with pure PCL, the BV/ASA-modified PCL graft reduces bovine serum albumin adsorption by 35.7% and fibrinogen adsorption by 36.2%, while maintaining mechanical properties and structural integrity. Platelet adhesion, assessed by LDH viability, is reduced by 42.6%, and the blood clotting index (BCI) is increased by 67.4%, indicating enhanced anticoagulation. The modified surface enhances anticoagulation and exhibits cell viability above 80%, confirming non-toxicity. These in vitro results demonstrate that BV and ASA dual functionalization effectively improves the antithrombotic performance of PCL vascular grafts, suggesting its potential as a candidate for further preclinical evaluation in SDVG applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Surface Coatings for Biomedicine and Bioengineering)

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20 pages, 29515 KB

Open AccessArticle

Finite Element Analysis (FEA) of the Stresses and Strains Occurring in Zirconia Crowns and Tooth Abutments Prepared With or Without a Shoulder Finish Line

by Lucia Alexandra Drăghici, Raluca Monica Comăneanu, Ștefan Eugen Chirsanov-Capanu, Andrei Constantinovici, Anna Maria Pangică, Manuela Victoria Chivu, Mariana Roxana Ciobanu, Mihail Târcolea and Laurența Lelia Mihai

Coatings 2026, 16(4), 482; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings16040482 - 16 Apr 2026

Viewed by 892

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the stress and strain at the interface between zirconia crowns and prepared tooth abutments, with or without a shoulder finish line. The main objective was to determine which of the two types of preparations provides a more favorable [...] Read more.

This study aimed to evaluate the stress and strain at the interface between zirconia crowns and prepared tooth abutments, with or without a shoulder finish line. The main objective was to determine which of the two types of preparations provides a more favorable long-term prognosis, particularly in the case of single-unit crowns. The Finite Element Analysis (FEA) method was employed to assess the mechanical response of both zirconia and dentin under occlusal forces of 200 N, simulating physiological occlusion. Values from the literature for Young’s modulus, Poisson’s ratio, and Bulk modulus were introduced into the simulations for zirconia and tooth abutments. The simulations demonstrated that zirconia crowns, regardless of the preparation type, experienced higher stress than the tooth abutments. However, preparations with a shoulder finish line demonstrated superior biomechanical behavior. This study provides a detailed biomechanical analysis of zirconia crowns cemented onto tooth abutments prepared with or without a shoulder finish line, highlighting the importance of FEA in optimizing prosthetic design and material selection. Full article

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28 pages, 7860 KB

Open AccessArticle

Study on Interaction Behavior Between Iron Tailings and Asphalt Interface Based on Molecular Dynamics Simulation and Microscopic Test

by Yaning Cui, Chundi Si, Changyu Pu, Ke Zhao and Zhanlin Zhao

Coatings 2026, 16(4), 481; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings16040481 - 16 Apr 2026

Viewed by 521

Abstract

With the shortage of natural aggregates and the massive accumulation of iron tailings (ITs) solid waste restricting the sustainable development of asphalt pavement engineering, replacing natural aggregates with ITs has become a promising low-carbon solution with prominent economic and social benefits. However, the [...] Read more.

With the shortage of natural aggregates and the massive accumulation of iron tailings (ITs) solid waste restricting the sustainable development of asphalt pavement engineering, replacing natural aggregates with ITs has become a promising low-carbon solution with prominent economic and social benefits. However, the poor interfacial adhesion between ITs and asphalt severely restricts the engineering application of tailings, and the micro-interaction mechanism at their interface still lacks systematic clarification, which is the key research gap addressed in this work. Different from conventional macro road performance tests, this study innovatively combined molecular dynamics (MD) simulation with microscopic characterization, including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and atomic force microscopy (AFM), to comprehensively reveal the interfacial interaction mechanism between ITs and asphalt at the molecular and microscales. The results indicate that asphalt molecules exhibit higher aggregation concentration and diffusivity on Al₂O₃ and Fe₂O₃ surfaces than on SiO₂ surfaces, proving stronger interfacial interaction between asphalt and iron-rich oxide minerals. Moderate temperature optimizes the adhesion performance of asphalt with Al₂O₃ and Fe₂O₃, while the interfacial bonding of asphalt on CaCO₃ and SiO₂ weakens as temperature rises. The silane coupling agent KH-550 can effectively react with acidic minerals, SiO₂ minerals in ITs, which significantly increases the concentration, diffusion coefficient, and distribution uniformity of asphalt molecules at the interface. FT-IR results verify that the combination of ITs and asphalt mainly relies on physical adsorption without generating new chemical bonds. AFM tests further confirm that alkaline minerals improve the surface roughness of asphalt mastic, and KH-550 greatly enhances the micro-adhesion force of the interface. The novelty of this work lies in clarifying the mechanism of typical mineral components in ITs and revealing the modification enhancement law of silane coupling agent and alkali minerals at the micro level. This study provides a scientific theoretical support for the high-value engineering utilization of ITs in asphalt pavement, and offers a reference for optimizing the interfacial modification design of solid waste aggregate. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Architectural and Infrastructure Coatings)

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14 pages, 4033 KB

Open AccessArticle

Microstructural Evolution and Hardening Behavior of a Low-Activation Ti-Nb-Zr-O Film Under He⁺ Irradiation

by Wanmin Yu, Ranshang Guo, Tianyu Zhao, Guanzhi Wang, Yanhui Li, Youping Lu, Zhenjie Liu, Juan Du, Zhiqiang Cao and Li Jiang

Coatings 2026, 16(4), 480; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings16040480 - 16 Apr 2026

Viewed by 433

Abstract

The development of accident-tolerant fuels has significantly enhanced the safety of fission reactors. The TiNbZrO alloy system has garnered considerable attention due to its excellent mechanical properties and outstanding irradiation resistance. Its unique compositional design enables effective suppression of irradiation-induced defect formation. In [...] Read more.

The development of accident-tolerant fuels has significantly enhanced the safety of fission reactors. The TiNbZrO alloy system has garnered considerable attention due to its excellent mechanical properties and outstanding irradiation resistance. Its unique compositional design enables effective suppression of irradiation-induced defect formation. In this study, TiNbZrO thin films are fabricated via radio-frequency magnetron sputtering and irradiated with 50 keV He ions to fluences of 5 × 10¹⁶, 1 × 10¹⁷, and 2 × 10¹⁷ ions/cm². The microstructural evolution before and after irradiation is characterized by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and Grazing Incidence X-ray Diffraction (GIXRD), and the changes in mechanical properties are evaluated by nanoindentation. With increasing irradiation fluence, the average size of He bubbles increases from 1.10 nm to 2.06 nm, the number density decreases from 5.27 × 10²⁴ m⁻³ to 1.39 × 10²⁴ m⁻³, and the swelling rate rises from 0.37% to 0.64%. Although significant irradiation hardening is observed in all samples, the maximum hardening rate reaches only 31.91%, a value substantially lower than that reported for many conventional nuclear materials. This demonstrates the superior irradiation resistance of TiNbZrO thin films. The superior irradiation resistance of TiNbZrO thin films stems from two synergistic effects: high-entropy lattice distortion suppresses atomic diffusion, while oxygen complexes pin defects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modification and Technology of Thin Films)

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20 pages, 2790 KB

Open AccessArticle

Comparative Effects of Tung Oil/Chitosan–Gum Arabic Microcapsules Prepared Under Two Feed Efficiencies on Surface Coating Performance of Bamboo

by Xiang Liu, Jingyi Hang, Hongxia Yang, Xiaoxing Yan and Jun Li

Coatings 2026, 16(4), 479; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings16040479 - 16 Apr 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 567

Abstract

Bamboo surfaces are susceptible to scratches and contamination during service, which limits their durability and aesthetic performance. To address this issue, this study aims to develop a natural self-healing coating based on tung oil microcapsules. Tung oil microcapsules encapsulated within chitosan and gum [...] Read more.

Bamboo surfaces are susceptible to scratches and contamination during service, which limits their durability and aesthetic performance. To address this issue, this study aims to develop a natural self-healing coating based on tung oil microcapsules. Tung oil microcapsules encapsulated within chitosan and gum arabic (TO/CS–GA MCs) were prepared by spray drying at two feed rates (100 and 200 mL h⁻¹) and incorporated into tung oil coatings applied on bamboo substrates. The effects of microcapsule content (1.0–11.0 wt%) and feed rate on the optical performance, mechanical performance, and self-healing performance of the coatings were systematically investigated. The results showed that increasing the microcapsule content gradually increased the color difference (ΔE) and surface roughness of the coatings, while the gloss decreased. The hardness, impact resistance, adhesion grade, and self-healing efficiency of the coatings exhibited a similar trend, initially increasing and then decreasing with increasing microcapsule content. This behavior indicates that an appropriate amount of microcapsules can enhance the coating performance, whereas excessive addition leads to particle agglomeration and structural defects. Under the better condition of 5.0 wt% microcapsule content and a spray-drying feed rate of 100 mL h⁻¹, the coating exhibited the best overall performance, including higher gloss retention, a hardness of 2H, an impact resistance of 3 kg·cm, relatively low surface roughness, and a self-healing efficiency of 28.16 ± 0.63%. These results suggest that the spray-drying feed rate plays an important role in regulating the particle size distribution and encapsulation efficiency of the microcapsules, which in turn affects their dispersion and rupture–release behavior within the coating matrix. Therefore, controlling the spray-drying parameters is crucial for optimizing the performance of microcapsule-based self-healing coatings. Overall, this study provides a sustainable strategy for developing natural polymer-based self-healing coatings and offers useful insights into the design of functional microcapsules for bamboo surface protection. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Cultural Heritage and Protective Coatings)

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23 pages, 4096 KB

Open AccessArticle

Prediction of the Surface Quality Obtained by Milling Using Artificial Intelligence Methods

by Andrei Osan, Mihai Banica and Cornel Florian

Coatings 2026, 16(4), 478; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings16040478 - 16 Apr 2026

Viewed by 471

Abstract

The paper explores the use of artificial neural networks for surface roughness parameter Ra prediction when milling the finishing of flat surfaces with toroidal milling on C45 steel. The experiments were conducted on a 5-axis CNC center, varying three main parameters: cutting speed, [...] Read more.

The paper explores the use of artificial neural networks for surface roughness parameter Ra prediction when milling the finishing of flat surfaces with toroidal milling on C45 steel. The experiments were conducted on a 5-axis CNC center, varying three main parameters: cutting speed, feed per tooth, and tool axis tilt angle. In total, 70 surfaces were processed, with multiple measurements of Ra roughness. The data were preprocessed in MATLAB (noise reduction by Z-score and augmentation to 630 values) and used to train an artificial feedforward neural network with Bayesian regularization. The resulting model showed good performance on the dataset and was experimentally validated on three new parameter combinations, processed and measured independently with a 3D scanner. The results confirm the network’s ability to estimate Ra roughness based on varying process parameters. The paper proposes the model as a useful tool for assessing surface quality in finishing milling and recommends extending the experimental base as the main direction of continuation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Surface Integrity and Engineering Optimization in Advanced Manufacturing and Mechanical Systems)

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