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Fog-Proof and Anti-Reflection Nano-Coating Prepared by Atmosphere Plasma Spraying
Recent Research Progress of Polysaccharide Polymer Coatings for Improving Properties of Paper-Based Packaging Materials
Surface Modification of Bioactive Glasses by Femtosecond and CO₂ Lasers
Antimicrobial Efficacy of Nanochitosan and Chitosan Edible Coatings: Application for Enhancing the Safety of Fresh-Cut Nectarines

Journal Description

Coatings

Coatings is an international, peer-reviewed, open access journal on coatings and surface engineering published monthly online by MDPI. The Korean Tribology Society (KTS) and The Chinese Society of Micro-Nano Technology (CSMNT) are affiliated with Coatings and their members receive discounts on the article processing charges.

Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
High Visibility: indexed within Scopus, SCIE (Web of Science), Inspec, Ei Compendex, CAPlus / SciFinder, and other databases.
Journal Rank: JCR - Q2 (Physics, Applied) / CiteScore - Q2 (Surfaces, Coatings and Films)
Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 14.5 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 2.5 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the second half of 2024).
Recognition of Reviewers: reviewers who provide timely, thorough peer-review reports receive vouchers entitling them to a discount on the APC of their next publication in any MDPI journal, in appreciation of the work done.
Sections: published in 14 topical sections.
Testimonials: See what our editors and authors say about Coatings.

Impact Factor: 2.9 (2023); 5-Year Impact Factor: 3.1 (2023)

Imprint Information Journal Flyer Open Access ISSN: 2079-6412

Latest Articles

24 pages, 10717 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Synthesis, Microstructural Evolution, and Wet Wear Performance of an Fe55-Based Coating Reinforced with CeO₂ and TiN Particles Fabricated via Plasma Beam Spraying

by Xinbin Liu, Liang Yu, Tongfei Zheng, Yongfu Tang, Gaofei Yan, Fuming He, Xianli Huang and Zhengbing Meng

Coatings 2025, 15(5), 548; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings15050548 (registering DOI) - 3 May 2025

Valve leakage mainly comes from worn sealing surfaces caused by abrasive particles. This study uses plasma beam spraying to create Fe55 alloy coatings with CeO₂ and TiN added to improve microstructure and wear resistance. Five coatings were prepared: Fe55 with 0.02% CeO [...] Read more.

Valve leakage mainly comes from worn sealing surfaces caused by abrasive particles. This study uses plasma beam spraying to create Fe55 alloy coatings with CeO₂ and TiN added to improve microstructure and wear resistance. Five coatings were prepared: Fe55 with 0.02% CeO₂ (FC2), 0.04% CeO₂ (FC4), 1% TiN (FT1), 2% TiN (FT2), and 2% TiN/0.02% CeO₂ (FC2T2). These coatings were tested for wear and erosion using wet sand and slurry experiments. Results showed that FC2T2 had the most uniform microstructure with fully equiaxed grains (20.32 μm size) and no columnar grains. This was due to CeO₂ and TiN co-working effect: CeO₂ was adsorbed onto TiN surfaces, reducing TiN decomposition and acting as nucleation sites. The FC2T2 coating also showed the highest hardness uniformity (no large changes with depth) and the lowest surface roughness after wear (41% lower than pure Fe55). In wear tests, FC2T2’s Cr₇C₃ hard phases blocked abrasive cutting, while the γ-Fe matrix prevented Cr₇C₃ from breaking off. Erosion tests confirmed FC2T2’s superior performance, as its uniform structure limited deep grooves. Adding both CeO₂ and TiN improved wear resistance by providing a balanced microstructure, reducing leakage risks in valve sealing surfaces. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Corrosion, Wear and Erosion)

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16 pages, 6192 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Preparation and Characterization of Co-CuCoMnO_x Solar Selective Absorption Coatings

by Xian Zeng, Ziqiang Long, Ziyong Liu, Qian Cao and Xudong Cheng

Coatings 2025, 15(5), 547; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings15050547 - 2 May 2025

The Co-CuCoMnO_x coatings with varying proportions were prepared and investigated to develop a novel metal–ceramic solar selective absorption coating employed at high temperature. The CuCoMnO_x powders were synthesized using the solid-phase reaction method. Subsequently, Co-CuCoMnO_x coatings were deposited on the [...] Read more.

The Co-CuCoMnO_x coatings with varying proportions were prepared and investigated to develop a novel metal–ceramic solar selective absorption coating employed at high temperature. The CuCoMnO_x powders were synthesized using the solid-phase reaction method. Subsequently, Co-CuCoMnO_x coatings were deposited on the surface of 316L steels utilizing the atmospheric plasma spraying (APS) technique. The results showed that the synthesized CuCoMnO_x powders were mainly composed of two phases, which were Cu_1.5Mn_1.5O₄ and MnCo₂O₄. The CuCoMnO_x powders had a solar absorptance of 0.929 and an infrared emittance of 0.862, which was considered a good solar absorbent. The synthesized Co-CuCoMnO_x coating had a typical thermal spray layered stacking structure. The chemical phases of the coatings were mainly Co, CoO, and CoCuMnO_x. Due to the addition of CuCoMnO_x inhibiting the oxidation of Co during the thermal spraying process, the 95Co-5CuCoMnO_x (wt%) coating exhibited the optimal quality factor (α/ε) of 2.184, with a solar absorptance α of 0.808 and an infrared emittance ε of 0.370, respectively. Moreover, this specific coating demonstrated a good thermal stability for up to 3 h when exposed to an atmospheric environment at 450 °C. The results indicate its significant potential for high-temperature solar selective absorption coating. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Functional Coatings and Thin Films for Sensor and Green Energy Technologies)

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24 pages, 28123 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Role of Titanium Carbides in Forming the Microstructure and Properties of Ti-33Mo-0.2C Alloy

by Wojciech Szkliniarz and Agnieszka Szkliniarz

Coatings 2025, 15(5), 546; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings15050546 - 2 May 2025

This study presents the characteristics of the Ti-33Mo-0.2C alloy, which belongs to the group of titanium alloys with a stable β phase and contains 0.27 wt% carbon; this is significantly higher than the permissible level for this alloy, which is 0.1 wt%. The [...] Read more.

This study presents the characteristics of the Ti-33Mo-0.2C alloy, which belongs to the group of titanium alloys with a stable β phase and contains 0.27 wt% carbon; this is significantly higher than the permissible level for this alloy, which is 0.1 wt%. The Ti-33Mo-0.2C alloy was melted in a vacuum induction furnace with a cold copper crucible and subsequently processed into a 12 mm diameter rod through hot rolling and annealing under standard conditions. The microstructure, as well as the mechanical and physicochemical properties of the Ti-33Mo-0.2C alloy, were compared with those of the Ti-33Mo alloy of a similar chemical composition. The following techniques were used to characterize the microstructure and properties of the alloys: LM; SEM/EDS (WDS); XRD; and mechanical, creep, and corrosion testing. The conducted analyses demonstrated that the addition of approximately 0.2 wt% carbon to the Ti-33Mo alloy leads to the expected improvement in microstructural stability by reducing grain growth and inhibiting the precipitation of the α phase at β grain boundaries. Consequently, a unique simultaneous enhancement of both strength and ductility, with increased creep resistance, is observed while maintaining the excellent corrosion resistance of the investigated alloy. The observed beneficial effects and additional capabilities resulting from the presence of carbon in the investigated alloy justify the conclusion that carbon should no longer be regarded as an undesirable impurity, which stands in contrast to some previous statements. Full article

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

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13 pages, 5403 KiB

Open AccessArticle

First-Principles Analysis of Phase Stability and Transformation Suppression for Hydrogen-Doped Alumina

by Kun Lv, Shiyang Sun, Bo Yuan, Xiaofeng Guo, Weiao Song and Andrei A. Boiko

Coatings 2025, 15(5), 545; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings15050545 - 2 May 2025

Thermally grown oxide (TGO) layers—primarily alumina (Al₂O₃)—provide oxidation resistance and high-temperature protection for thermal barrier coatings. However, during their service in humid and hot environments, water vapor accelerates TGO degradation by stabilizing metastable alumina phases (e.g., θ-Al₂O [...] Read more.

Thermally grown oxide (TGO) layers—primarily alumina (Al₂O₃)—provide oxidation resistance and high-temperature protection for thermal barrier coatings. However, during their service in humid and hot environments, water vapor accelerates TGO degradation by stabilizing metastable alumina phases (e.g., θ-Al₂O₃) and inhibiting their transformation to the thermodynamically stable α-Al₂O₃, a phenomenon which has been shown in numerous experimental studies. However, the microscopic mechanisms by which water vapor affects the phase stability and transformation of alumina remain unresolved. This study employs first-principles calculations to investigate hydrogen’s role in altering vacancy formation, aggregation, and atomic migration in θ- and α-Al₂O₃. The results reveal that hydrogen incorporation reduces the formation energies for aluminum and oxygen vacancies by up to 40%, promoting defect generation and clustering; increases aluminum migration barriers by 25–30% while lowering oxygen migration barriers by 15–20%, creating asymmetric diffusion kinetics; and stabilizes oxygen-deficient sublattices, disrupting the structural reorganization required for θ- to α-Al₂O₃ transitions. These effects collectively sustain metastable θ-Al₂O₃ growth and delay phase stabilization. By linking hydrogen-induced defect dynamics to macroscopic coating degradation, this work provides atomic-scale insights for designing moisture-resistant thermal barrier coatings through the targeted inhibition of vacancy-mediated pathways. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ceramic and Glass Material Coatings)

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3 pages, 129 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Special Issue: “Effects of Laser Treatment on Surface Characterization and Mechanical Properties of Alloys”

by Avik Samanta

Coatings 2025, 15(5), 544; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings15050544 - 2 May 2025

Laser-based material processing methods have emerged as an innovative approach in advanced manufacturing, enabling significant control over microstructural evolution and surface functionality in metallic systems [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Laser Treatment on Surface Characterization and Mechanical Properties of Alloys)

15 pages, 9975 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Research on the Effect of Micro-Pit Parameters on Tool Wear in Turning GH4169

by Jingshu Hu, Jinrong Liu, Zhiwei Liu and Xinmin Feng

Coatings 2025, 15(5), 543; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings15050543 - 2 May 2025

Tools with micro-textures have found wide application in cutting difficult machining materials. The cutting performance of tools is closely related to the arrangement, morphology, and size parameters of micro-textures. In this research, micro-pit tools were used in turning GH4169 in spray cooling. The [...] Read more.

Tools with micro-textures have found wide application in cutting difficult machining materials. The cutting performance of tools is closely related to the arrangement, morphology, and size parameters of micro-textures. In this research, micro-pit tools were used in turning GH4169 in spray cooling. The effect of micro-pit parameters on tool wear was investigated through simulation and cutting experiments. In simulation, a model of cutting GH4169 in spray cooling was built to analyze the wear of micro-pit tools with different parameters, and the optimal combination of micro-pit parameters with excellent anti-wear performance was obtained: when the distance between the micro-pit and tool nose is 60 μm, the diameter of micro-pits is 70 μm, and the pit spacing is 100 μm. In the cutting experiment, micro-pit textures with different parameters were fabricated by femtosecond laser, and cutting experiments were conducted in spray cooling to analyze the wear on the rake face of micro-pit tools. Furthermore, Ansys Fluent was used to simulate the dynamic pressure of oil film on the surface of micro-pits, and the anti-wear mechanism of micro-textured tools was verified. This research provides technical reference for the design and development of micro-textured tools. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cutting Performance of Coated Tools)

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24 pages, 25417 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mechanical and Tribological Behavior of TiAlSiN/AlSiN Coatings Depending on the High-Temperature Treatment

by Stefan Kolchev, Lilyana Kolaklieva, Daniela Kovacheva, Genoveva Atanasova, Tetiana Cholakova, Vasiliy Chitanov, Ekaterina Zlatareva, Roumen Kakanakov and Chavdar Pashinski

Coatings 2025, 15(5), 542; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings15050542 - 30 Apr 2025

TiAlSiN/AlSiN coatings, with 3 and 30 periods, were successfully deposited by cathodic-arc evaporation technology. The composition, structure, mechanical, and tribological properties were studied at thermal treatment from 700 °C to 900 °C. The SEM observation and EDS analysis verified the dense structure and [...] Read more.

TiAlSiN/AlSiN coatings, with 3 and 30 periods, were successfully deposited by cathodic-arc evaporation technology. The composition, structure, mechanical, and tribological properties were studied at thermal treatment from 700 °C to 900 °C. The SEM observation and EDS analysis verified the dense structure and stable element composition in the coating depth at increased temperatures. A limited surface oxidation was identified at 800 °C, which increased moderately at a higher temperature of 900 °C. The coating period displays a nanocomposite structure of TiAl(Si)N and AlN nanograins incorporated in an amorphous Si₃N₄ matrix obtained by XRD and XPS analyses. The coatings exhibit high hardness of 41.1 GPa and 36.4 GPa for the 3- and 30-period coatings, respectively. The coatings with higher modulation periods demonstrate an excellent high temperature hardness and resistance to elastic and plastic deformations up to 900 °C. The hardness of the coatings with a smaller modulation period reduces to 29.7 GPa at the same temperature, causing a decrease in the H/E and H³/E^*2 ratios. The tribological tests found that the high-temperature wear resistance depends strongly on the coating composition and architecture. An oxidation wear mechanism dominates the coatings with a large modulation period, and the wear rate decreases with a temperature increase. Abrasive wear is predominant in coatings with a lower modulation period, leading to an increasing wear rate. Wear rate values of 7.27 × 10⁻⁶ mm³/N·m and 8.53 × 10⁻⁶ mm³/N·m were determined after annealing at 900 °C for the 3- and 30-period coatings, respectively. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Tribological and Mechanical Properties of Coatings)

13 pages, 1657 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dissimilar Joining of Aluminum to High-Melting-Point Alloys by Hot Dipping

by Zhaoxian Liu, Qingjia Su, Pu Wang, Wenzhen Zhao, Ao Fu and Huan He

Coatings 2025, 15(5), 541; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings15050541 - 30 Apr 2025

In this study, the dissimilar joining of aluminum to high-melting-point alloys, including steel, titanium, and copper, was successfully achieved through hot-dipping. By precisely controlling the dipping temperature at 670 °C and maintaining a dipping time of 5 seconds, uniform aluminum layers with a thickness [...] Read more.

In this study, the dissimilar joining of aluminum to high-melting-point alloys, including steel, titanium, and copper, was successfully achieved through hot-dipping. By precisely controlling the dipping temperature at 670 °C and maintaining a dipping time of 5 seconds, uniform aluminum layers with a thickness of 3–4 mm were successfully formed on the surfaces of high-melting-point alloys. This process enabled effective dissimilar metal joining between Al/steel, Al/Ti, and Al/Cu. Metallurgical bonding at the joining interfaces was achieved through the formation of uniform intermetallic compounds, specifically Fe4Al13, TiAl3, Al2Cu, and Al3Cu4, respectively. The different joints exhibited varying mechanical properties: the Al/Cu joint demonstrated the highest shear strength at 79.1 MPa, while the Fe4Al13-containing joint exhibited the highest hardness, reaching 604.4 HV. Numerical simulations revealed that an obvious decrease in interfacial temperature triggered the solidification and growth of the aluminum layer. Additionally, the specific heat and thermal conductivity of the high-melting-point alloys were found to significantly influence the thickness of the aluminum layer. The hot-dip joining technology is well suited for dissimilar metal bonding involving large contact areas and significant differences in melting points. Full article

22 pages, 2653 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Study on Mechanical Properties and Structural Deformation of [111] Oriented Mg-Li Alloy

by Chengyu Xu, Yankai Liu, Junye Li, Feng Yan, Aozhi Li, Danni Li and Zixian Zheng

Coatings 2025, 15(5), 540; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings15050540 - 30 Apr 2025

Mg-Li alloy is widely used in aerospace and military equipment, but the research on its micromechanical mechanism is still insufficient. In this paper, molecular dynamics simulation is used to analyze the nano-indentation response and mechanical mechanism of single crystal Mg-Li. The deformation and [...] Read more.

Mg-Li alloy is widely used in aerospace and military equipment, but the research on its micromechanical mechanism is still insufficient. In this paper, molecular dynamics simulation is used to analyze the nano-indentation response and mechanical mechanism of single crystal Mg-Li. The deformation and hardness changes of Mg-Li under different loads were studied by load–displacement and hardness–depth curves. At the same time, the dislocation defects and equivalent stress are analyzed to reveal the dislocation formation and stress distribution in the process of deformation. Finally, under the condition of stress relaxation, the mechanical behavior of Mg-Li in the process of nano-indentation was revealed, and the deformation mechanism of Mg-Li alloy was studied. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Surface Integrity, Surface Properties, and Fatigue Performance of Coated Metallic Materials)

20 pages, 9422 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Investigations on Changes in the Surface Geometrical Texture Caused by the Use of Corrosion Product Removers

by Aleksandra Ochal, Daniel Grochała, Rafał Grzejda and Agnieszka Elżbieta Kochmańska

Coatings 2025, 15(5), 539; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings15050539 - 30 Apr 2025

In addition to ensuring the functionality of objects used in the household, transport or industry at large, applied design focuses on aesthetic qualities related to the external form and condition of a surface. At the same time, there is a trend for plastic, [...] Read more.

In addition to ensuring the functionality of objects used in the household, transport or industry at large, applied design focuses on aesthetic qualities related to the external form and condition of a surface. At the same time, there is a trend for plastic, rubber or aluminium objects made by moulding (both injection and casting) to look as if they were made of natural materials. This effect is ensured by properly designed and manufactured surface textures in the mould seats. However, the working surfaces of the moulds often corrode as a result of inadequate maintenance and storage. The aim of this study was to find out how popular agents on the market dedicated to corrosion product removal would change the surface geometrical texture. During the prepared experimental plan, it was also decided to investigate the properties in this respect of one of the popular drinks (i.e., cola) which is sometimes used in workshop practice as an alternative corrosion product removal agent. Based on the results of the study, conclusions were drawn about the short- and long-term effects of the corrosion product removal agents. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Anti-corrosion Coatings of Metals and Alloys—New Perspectives)

16 pages, 959 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Artificial Neural Network-Based Modeling of Atmospheric Zinc Corrosion Rates Using Meteorological and Pollutant Data

by Anoop K. Maurya, Saurabh Tiwari, Annabathini Geetha Bhavani, Nokeun Park and Nagireddy Gari Subba Reddy

Coatings 2025, 15(5), 538; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings15050538 - 30 Apr 2025

Understanding the depth and severity of corrosion is crucial for predicting the long-term durability and economic viability of Zn-based structures. This study investigates the relationship between meteorological and pollution parameters on the corrosion rate of zinc using an artificial neural network (ANN) model [...] Read more.

Understanding the depth and severity of corrosion is crucial for predicting the long-term durability and economic viability of Zn-based structures. This study investigates the relationship between meteorological and pollution parameters on the corrosion rate of zinc using an artificial neural network (ANN) model trained on global data. The model incorporates temperature, time of wetness (TOW), SO₂ concentration, Cl⁻ concentration, and exposure time as input variables, with corrosion depth as the output. The ANN model demonstrated high predictive accuracy, achieving correlation coefficients of 0.99 and 0.95 for the training and test datasets, respectively, indicating strong agreement with the experimental data. A graphical user interface was developed to facilitate the practical application of the model. Sensitivity analysis using the index of relative importance (IRI) identified the SO₂ concentration and TOW as the most influential factors, emphasizing their critical role in zinc corrosion. These findings enhance our understanding of the Zn corrosion dynamics and provide valuable insights into corrosion prevention strategies. A user-friendly graphical user interface (GUI) was developed using Java, enabling accurate prediction of the corrosion depth in zinc with approximately 95% accuracy without requiring prior knowledge of neural networks or programming. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Anti-corrosion Coatings of Metals and Alloys—New Perspectives)

18 pages, 22617 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Experimental Study on Pipeline–Soil Interaction in Translational Landslide

by Tianjun Xue, Lingxin Liu, Jianlei Zhang, Mengjie Dai, Gengyuan Shi and Xinze Li

Coatings 2025, 15(5), 537; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings15050537 - 30 Apr 2025

Pipelines in landslide-prone areas are highly susceptible to damage or rupture under soil movement, posing severe threats to social stability and national security. However, research on pipeline failure mechanisms across different landslide types remains insufficient. Therefore, this study employs large-scale indoor model tests [...] Read more.

Pipelines in landslide-prone areas are highly susceptible to damage or rupture under soil movement, posing severe threats to social stability and national security. However, research on pipeline failure mechanisms across different landslide types remains insufficient. Therefore, this study employs large-scale indoor model tests to investigate the interaction mechanisms between pipelines and soil (pipeline–soil interaction) in translational landslide zones through comparative experiments. The results indicate that: (1) The failure process of translational landslides is characterized by initial sliding at the slope crest under loading, which progressively drives the lower soil mass, ultimately resulting in global slope instability. The sliding mass displacement exhibits a top-to-bottom reduction pattern. (2) Pipelines traversing slopes laterally significantly enhance slope stability by providing measurable anti-sliding resistance. (3) Pipeline displacement under sliding mass action occurs in the downslope direction, yet its trajectory deviates from the sliding mass movement. (4) Strain analysis reveals that the pipeline experiences peak strain in the middle region of the sliding mass and at the sliding-non-sliding interface, with the middle region being the primary location for initial yielding and fracture. This study advances the understanding of pipeline-sliding mass interaction mechanisms in translational landslides and offers critical insights for improving pipeline safety and reliability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Pavement Materials and Civil Engineering)

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16 pages, 5788 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Research on Thermal Effect and Laser-Induced Damage Threshold of 10.6 µm Antireflection Coatings Deposited on Diamond and ZnSe Substrates

by Xiong Zi, Xinshang Niu, Hongfei Jiao, Shuai Jiao, Xiaochuan Ji, Dongdong Li, Binbin Jiang, Jinlong Zhang, Xinbin Cheng, Zhanshan Wang and Zihua Xin

Coatings 2025, 15(5), 536; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings15050536 - 30 Apr 2025

In this study, ZnS/YbF₃-10.6 µm antireflection (AR) coatings were fabricated on CVD single-crystal diamond and ZnSe substrates. The spectral characteristics of the coatings and their performance under continuous wave laser radiation at 10.6 µm were systematically investigated. The fabricated AR coatings [...] Read more.

In this study, ZnS/YbF₃-10.6 µm antireflection (AR) coatings were fabricated on CVD single-crystal diamond and ZnSe substrates. The spectral characteristics of the coatings and their performance under continuous wave laser radiation at 10.6 µm were systematically investigated. The fabricated AR coatings exhibited excellent spectral properties in the target wavelength range. Both theoretical calculations and experimental results indicated that, at the same power density, the 10.6 µm AR coatings on diamond substrates exhibited a lower temperature rise compared to those deposited on ZnSe substrates. Due to its high thermal conductivity, the diamond substrate is expected to exhibit reduced thermally induced surface distortion. The laser-induced damage threshold (LIDT) test results indicate that the AR coating deposited on the ZnSe substrate exhibits a damage threshold of 11,890 W/cm², whereas the AR coating on the diamond substrate achieves a threshold of 15,287 W/cm², representing a 28.5% improvement over the ZnSe substrate. Additionally, graphite formation occurs on the diamond substrate under high power density. These findings provide both theoretical and experimental support for the potential application of diamond materials in high-power laser systems. Full article

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15 pages, 6305 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Study on the Spectral Characteristics of 83.4 nm Extreme Ultraviolet Filters

by Qian Liu, Aiming Zhou, Hanlin Wang, Pingxu Wang, Chen Tao, Guang Zhang, Xiaodong Wang and Bo Chen

Coatings 2025, 15(5), 535; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings15050535 - 30 Apr 2025

Extreme ultraviolet (EUV) imagers are key tools to monitor the space environment and forecast space weather. EUV filters are important components to block radiation in the ultraviolet (UV), visible, and near-infrared (IR) regions. In this study, various characterization methods were proposed for the [...] Read more.

Extreme ultraviolet (EUV) imagers are key tools to monitor the space environment and forecast space weather. EUV filters are important components to block radiation in the ultraviolet (UV), visible, and near-infrared (IR) regions. In this study, various characterization methods were proposed for the nickel mesh-supported indium (In) filter, and their spectral characteristics were comprehensively studied. The material and thickness of the filter were chosen based on atomic scattering principles, determined through theoretical calculation and software simulation. The metal film was deposited using the vacuum-resistive thermal evaporation method. The measured transmission of the filter was 10.06% at 83.4 nm. The surface elements of the sample were analyzed using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The surface and cross-sectional morphologies of the filter were observed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The impact of the oxide layer and carbon contamination on the filter’s transmittance was investigated using an ellipsometer. A multilayer “In-In₂O₃-C” model was established to determine the thickness of both the oxide layer and carbon contamination layer on the filter. This model introduces the filling factor based on the original model and considers the diffusion of the contamination layer, resulting in more accurate fitting results. The transmittance of the filter in the visible light range was measured using a UV-VIS spectrophotometer, and the measurement error was analyzed. This article provides preparation methods and test methods for the 83.4 nm EUV filter and conducts a detailed analysis of the spectral characteristics of the prepared optical filters, which hold significant value for space exploration applications. Full article

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12 pages, 19804 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Tuning Nanocrystalline Heterostructures for Enhanced Corrosion Resistance: A Study on Electrodeposited Ni Coatings

by Wenyi Huo, Zeling Zhang, Xuhong Huang, Yueheng Wang, Shiqi Wang, Xiaoheng Lu, Shuangxiao Li, Senlei Zhu, Feng Fang and Jianqing Jiang

Coatings 2025, 15(5), 534; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings15050534 - 30 Apr 2025

Tailoring the microstructural heterogeneity of metallic coatings is a promising strategy for enhancing their corrosion resistance; however, its systematic optimization remains underexplored. Here in, we present a one-step, scalable electrodeposition strategy to fabricate Ni coatings with tunable nanocrystalline heterostructures on Cu substrates by [...] Read more.

Tailoring the microstructural heterogeneity of metallic coatings is a promising strategy for enhancing their corrosion resistance; however, its systematic optimization remains underexplored. Here in, we present a one-step, scalable electrodeposition strategy to fabricate Ni coatings with tunable nanocrystalline heterostructures on Cu substrates by varying the current density from 1 mA/cm² to 50 mA/cm². The coating with a current density of 10 mA/cm², featuring a heterogeneous nanograin structure of coexisting small and large grains, exhibited optimal corrosion resistance in 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution, with a low self-corrosion current density of 4.48 µA/cm². Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations revealed that the heterostructure dispersed Cl⁻ adsorption sites and promoted passivation. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) revealed that as the current density increased from 10 mA/cm² to 50 mA/cm², the corrosion product transitioned from a crystalline NiOOH structure to an amorphous structure, which correlated with a reduced corrosion resistance. The heterogeneous microstructure enhances durability, offering a cost-effective and alloy-free alternative for offshore applications. These findings provide a theoretical and experimental basis for designing advanced corrosion-resistant coatings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Corrosion Resistance of Innovative Composite Coatings Based on Nanoparticles)

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8 pages, 1978 KiB

Open AccessBrief Report

Development of a Prototype of Industrial Installation for the Deposition of Self-Restoring Nitride Coatings on Reed Switch Contacts

by Igor A. Zeltser, Alexander Tolstoguzov and Dejun Fu

Coatings 2025, 15(5), 533; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings15050533 - 29 Apr 2025

A prototype of an industrial installation for the deposition of self-restoring nitride coatings on the surface of reed switch contacts using electro-spark erosion alloying was developed, manufactured, and tested under the laboratory conditions at LLC Nitron. It was shown that the coatings are [...] Read more.

A prototype of an industrial installation for the deposition of self-restoring nitride coatings on the surface of reed switch contacts using electro-spark erosion alloying was developed, manufactured, and tested under the laboratory conditions at LLC Nitron. It was shown that the coatings are formed inside a bulb of reed switches at the final stage of their production following the impact from the spark breakdown between the contacts, stimulated via alternating magnetic and electric fields. The nitrogen concentration in the surface layers of the nitride coatings, estimated by means of X-ray microanalysis, was ca. 19 at. % and their thickness, measured by time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry via sputter depth profiling, ranged between 250 and 350 nm. The novelty of the presented work consists of the development of an innovative piece of equipment, the operating principle and design of which are protected by intellectual property rights (four Russian patents). The technological approach implemented in this installation differs from the industrial galvanic technology due to its high level of environmental safety and economic efficiency, since it does not require the use of gold, ruthenium, or other high-priced metals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Coatings: Adapting to the Future)

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11 pages, 3689 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Study on Densification of Gd₂Zr₂O₇-Based Ceramic Target for EB-PVD Application and Its Effect on Fracture Toughness

by Zhen Luo, Xingqi Wang, Yuyang Liu and Xingming Wang

Coatings 2025, 15(5), 532; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings15050532 - 29 Apr 2025

In this study, the Gd₂Zr₂O₇-based ceramic target was densified via pressureless sintering which follows well with Kingery’s three-stage sintering theory. Sintering temperature is the key factor affecting the densification of targets. In the initial stage, when the [...] Read more.

In this study, the Gd₂Zr₂O₇-based ceramic target was densified via pressureless sintering which follows well with Kingery’s three-stage sintering theory. Sintering temperature is the key factor affecting the densification of targets. In the initial stage, when the sintering temperature is in the range of 1200–1450 °C, the porosity decreases with the density of targets slowly increasing to 64.71%. Grain boundary diffusion controls the densification process. In the middle stage, at 1450–1500 °C, the density ratio of the target rapidly rises to 77.6%. The competition between grain boundary migration rate and pore shrinkage rate leads to the maximum isolated porosity. In the final stage, when the sintering temperature is above 1500 °C, the density ratio of the target significantly increases to 97.28% at the temperature of 1600 °C. Even when the holding time is extended to 7 h at 1500 °C, the density ratio of the target only reaches 85.72%. With the increase in sintering temperature and prolongation of holding time, the fracture toughness of the ceramic targets exhibited a trend of initial increase followed by a decrease. Density ratio and grain size were identified as key factors influencing fracture toughness. When the density ratio reached approximately 80%, the fracture toughness achieved its maximum value of 2.245 MPa·m^0.5. When the sintering temperature exceeds 1450 °C, both the Young’s modulus and hardness of the targets increase rapidly, which significantly enhances their fracture toughness. However, with the increase in sintering temperature or holding time, the grain grows rapidly. This excessive grain growth reduces grain boundary. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Protective Coatings: Materials, Fabrication, Corrosion and Applications)

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11 pages, 4436 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparison of Color Metallography and Electron Microscopy in Characterizing the Microstructure of H59 Brass Alloy

by Shidan Yuan, Ye Ma, Hui Yang, Zhen Ma and Lei Chen

Coatings 2025, 15(5), 531; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings15050531 - 29 Apr 2025

Color metallographic samples of H59 brass alloy have been prepared by aqua regia etching. In this paper, combined with XRD (X-ray diffraction), traditional metallographic analysis, FE-SEM (field emission scanning electron microscopy), and EBSD (electron backscattering diffraction), the effect of the color metallographic method [...] Read more.

Color metallographic samples of H59 brass alloy have been prepared by aqua regia etching. In this paper, combined with XRD (X-ray diffraction), traditional metallographic analysis, FE-SEM (field emission scanning electron microscopy), and EBSD (electron backscattering diffraction), the effect of the color metallographic method on the microstructure characterization of the H59 brass alloy was analyzed. The experimental results showed that α phases and β phases could be distinguished clearly, and the phase morphology, distribution, and content could be expressed accurately with an average error value of 5.25% for the α phase and 4.71% for the β phase. The average error rate of the phase content characterization was 4.98% (less than 5%) with the color metallographic method. In addition, it was also found in the study that the brightness and darkness of the β phase would be related to the grain orientation, and the bright grains would correspond to the low-index surface, and the dark grains to the high-index surface. As a low-cost, fast, and efficient characterization technique, the experimental results show that color metallography (CM) could replace electron backscattering diffraction (EBSD) for the analysis of the phase composition, phase distribution, phase content, and grain orientation of brass alloys, which would provide an experimental basis for optimizing alloy properties and expanding applications. Full article

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19 pages, 7023 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of CeO₂ Content on the Microstructure and Properties of TiC/WC/Co Composite Cladding Layers

by Wenhui Tong, Qingqi Xu, Yunyi Liu, Zi’ao Qi, Jie Wang and Jiadong Liu

Coatings 2025, 15(5), 530; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings15050530 - 29 Apr 2025

To address the issue that the insufficient surface hardness and wear resistance of ductile iron under harsh working conditions are likely to lead to early failure, using a cladding layer with dual hard phases is an effective method to improve the surface properties. [...] Read more.

To address the issue that the insufficient surface hardness and wear resistance of ductile iron under harsh working conditions are likely to lead to early failure, using a cladding layer with dual hard phases is an effective method to improve the surface properties. However, the issue that a large amount of hard phases decompose under the action of a high-energy laser to generate brittle phases in the microstructure is quite troublesome. Therefore, by adding CeO₂ to the cladding layer, a TiC/WC/Co composite cladding layer containing CeO₂ is prepared on the substrate by means of a fiber laser. Through OM, SEM-EDS, XRD, and Rockwell hardness tests, the effects of the CeO₂ content on the microstructure, phase composition, and hardness of the coating were studied to determine the optimal addition amount. The results show that the secondary dendrite arm spacing (SDAS) of the γ-Co phase and the sizes of TiWC₂ and WC dendrites exhibit a non-monotonic trend of first decreasing and then increasing with the increase in the CeO₂ content, and the morphology of TiWC₂ evolves from a cross shape to a granular shape and then to a dendritic shape. When the CeO₂ content is 2 wt.%, the WC dendrites are completely inhibited, and the SDAS of γ-Co reaches the minimum value; when the content increases to 4 wt.%, WC dendrite coarsening occurs, and at the same time, the γ-Co dendrite packing density increases significantly, and the eutectic fraction decreases obviously. The hardness of the coating first increases and then decreases with the increase in the CeO₂ addition amount, and reaches a peak value of 91.4 HRC when the CeO₂ content is 4 wt.%, which is approximately 2.57 times the hardness of the substrate. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Laser Coatings)

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11 pages, 3212 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Pre-Formed Microstructure on Mechanical Properties of Bainitic Steel

by Yu Zhang, Xiaoyan Long, Yanguo Li, Xiaoyong Feng and Zeliang Liu

Coatings 2025, 15(5), 529; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings15050529 - 29 Apr 2025

Achieving high strength, high toughness, and high plasticity in bainitic steel to meet the needs of economic and industrial development is the direction and driving force for researchers. The reinforcement technology of bainitic steel has become very well developed, with research conducted on [...] Read more.

Achieving high strength, high toughness, and high plasticity in bainitic steel to meet the needs of economic and industrial development is the direction and driving force for researchers. The reinforcement technology of bainitic steel has become very well developed, with research conducted on microstructure, dislocation density, and alloying elements. While improving strength, some plasticity and toughness are inevitably sacrificed. Therefore, achieving high strength, high plasticity, and high toughness in bainitic steel has always been a research focus. Existing research has shown that pre-transformation before the bainitic transformation can help increase the bainitic transformation rate and thereby regulate the microstructure. This paper will conduct a detailed analysis of the influence of pre-phase transformation microstructure on the strength, toughness and plasticity of bainitic steel. Full article

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