Coatings — Open Access Journal

In order to study the effects of pulse parameters on jet electrodeposition, Ni–Co–BN (h) nanocomposite coatings were prepared on the surface of steel C1045. The samples were analyzed and characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM), microhardness tester, and electrochemical workstation. The experimental results showed that the contents of Co and BN (h) nanoparticles in the coatings changed with the variation of pulse parameters. When the pulse frequency was 4 kHz and the duty cycle was 0.7, their contents reached maxima of 27.34 wt % and 3.82 wt %, respectively. The XRD patterns of the coatings showed that the deposits had a face-centered cube (fcc) structure, and there was an obvious preferred orientation in (111) plane. With the increase in pulse parameters, the surface roughness of the coatings first decreased and then increased, with the minimum value obtained being 0.664 µm. The microhardness of the coatings first increased and then decreased with increase in pulse parameters. The maximum value of the microhardness reached 719.2 HV_0.05 when the pulse frequency was 4 kHz and the duty cycle was 0.7. In the electrochemical test, the potentiodynamic polarization curves of the coatings after immersion in 3.5 wt % NaCl solution showed the pulse parameters had an obvious effect on the corrosion resistance of the Ni–Co–BN (h) nanocamposite coatings. The corrosion current density and polarization resistance indicated that the coatings had better corrosion resistance when the pulse frequency was 4 kHz and duty cycle was 0.7. Full article

Not all sunlight irradiated on the surface of a photovoltaic (PV) module can reach the cells in the PV module. This loss reduces the conversion efficiency of the PV module. The main factors of this loss are the reflection and soiling on the surface of the PV module. With this, it is effective to have both antireflection and antisoiling effects on the surface of PV modules. In this study, the antireflection and antisoiling effects along with the long-term reliability of the silica-based layer easily coated on PV modules were assessed. A silica-based layer with a controlled thickness and refractive index was coated on the surface of a Cu(In,Ga)Se₂ PV array. The array was exposed outdoors to assess its effects and reliability. As a result of the coating, the output of the PV array increased by 3.9%. The environment of the test site was relatively clean and the increase was considered to be a result of the antireflection effect. Moreover, it was observed that the effect of the coating was maintained without deterioration after 3.5 years. The coating was also applied to a silicon PV module and an effect similar to that of the CIGS PV module was observed in the silicon PV module. Full article

Diverse physical interlocking devices have recently been developed based on one-dimensional (1D), high-aspect-ratio inorganic and organic nanomaterials. Although these 1D nanomaterial-based interlocking devices can provide reliable and repeatable shear adhesion, their adhesion in the normal direction is typically very weak. In addition, the high-aspect-ratio, slender structures are mechanically less durable. In this study, we demonstrate a highly flexible and robust interlocking system that exhibits strong and reversible adhesion based on physical interlocking between three-dimensional (3D) microscale architectures. The 3D microstructures have protruding tips on their cylindrical stems, which enable tight mechanical binding between the microstructures. Based on the unique 3D architectures, the interlocking adhesives exhibit remarkable adhesion strengths in both the normal and shear directions. In addition, their adhesion is highly reversible due to the robust mechanical and structural stability of the microstructures. An analytical model is proposed to explain the measured adhesion behavior, which is in good agreement with the experimental results. Full article

The formation process of LDHs (layered double hydroxides) coating on magnesium alloy by the CO₂ pressurization method was studied. The micro-structure was observed by OM, SEM and GAXRD. The weighted gain curve, apparent activation energy, and CO₂ solubility curve were all calculated by equations. The potentiodynamic polarization curve, hydrogen evolution data, and immersion were analyzed by an electrochemical method. The results show that the LDHs coating was formed layer-by-layer. The formation positions were initially on the α-Mg phase, and then on the β-Mg₁₇Al₁₂ phase. It was found to be the most compact after 30 min. The LDHs coating began to appear to have severe cracks and holes over time. The formation process of the LDHs coating can be divided into three stages: a rapid growth stage (0–10 min), slow growth stage (10–20 min), and periodic growth stage (30 min, 1 h). The apparent activation energies in each of the three stages are 21.78, 31.86 and 34.92 kJ mol⁻¹, respectively. The LDHs coating has a compact micro-structure and better anti-corrosion at a pressure of 3 MPa, a temperature of 50 °C and a time of 30 min. The CO₂ pressurization promotes a formation reaction rate and achieves a high formation efficiency and good formation stability under the condition of zero pollution. Full article

Improving the corrosion resistance of epoxy resin coatings has become the focus of current research. This study focuses on synthesizing a functionalized silane coupling agent (2-(3,4-epoxycyclohexyl)ethyl triethoxysilane) to modify the surface of graphene oxide to address nanomaterial agglomeration and enhance the coating resistance of the epoxy resin coating to corrosion by filling the coating with functionalized graphene oxide. Functionalized graphene oxide and coatings filled with functionalized graphene oxide were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The corrosion performance of each coating was studied by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and a salt spray test. Results showed that the incorporation of functionalized graphene oxide enhances the corrosion protection performance of the epoxy composite coating, and the composite coating exhibited the best anticorrosion performance when the amount of functionalized graphene oxide was 0.7 wt %. Full article

This study discusses a new coating method to protect 316L stainless steel (SS) from pitting corrosion in high chloride environments. The SS surface was coated using a simple, eco-friendly method, and sunflower oil (SunFO) was used as a base coating and binder for molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂). The coated surface was observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with an energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Corrosion behavior was examined by open-circuit potential (OCP) measurement and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) in an 3.5% NaCl solution. The SunFO coating with MoS₂ showed the highest corrosion resistance and coating durability during the immersion time relative to the SunFO coating and bare 316L SS. The increased corrosion resistance is thought to be because of the interactions with the aggregations of the SunFO lamellar structure and MoS₂ in the coating film, which acted as a high order layer barrier providing protection from the metals to electrolytes. Full article

Amorphous In−Ga−Zn−O (a-IGZO) has been studied as a channel layer in thin-film transistors (TFTs). To improve the bias-induced instability of a-IGZO TFTs, we introduced yttrium with high bond enthalpy by magnetron co-sputtering system. The Y-doped a-IGZO (a-IGZO:Y) films show relatively lower carrier concentration and higher Hall mobility, which is due to the suppression of oxygen vacancies caused by Y doping. The a-IGZO:Y showed a relatively higher transmittance in the visible light region compared to non-doped IGZO, which could be due to the decrease of shallow defect levels caused by oxygen vacancy in the band gap. The a-IGZO without Y doping showed dramatic changes in electrical properties as times progressed (over 240 h); however, the a-IGZO:Y showed no significant changes. The a-IGZO:Y TFTs demonstrated a more stable driving mode as exhibited in the positive gate bias stress test even though the values of V_TH and SS were slightly degraded. Full article

Optical changes associated with the surface coating of different metal oxides and nanolayers by the ALD technique of a nanoporous alumina structure (NPAS) obtained by the two-step anodization method were analyzed. The NPASs were coated with: (i) a single layer (SiO₂ or TiO₂), and (ii) a double layer of SiO₂ plus Al₂O₃ or aluminum doped ZnO (AZO) to estimate the effect of surface layer coverage material, geometrical parameters (pore-size/porosity), and number of layers on light transmission/reflection. Chemical surface characterization of the different NPASs was carried out by analyzing XPS spectra, which allowed us to obtain an estimation of the coating layer homogeneity. Transmittance and spectroscopic ellipsometry measurements were analyzed in order to detect changes in characteristic optical parameters such as band gap, refractive index, and extinction coefficients associated with the material and the characteristics of the single or double coating layers. Full article

With the mounting application of carburized or case-hardening gears and higher requirements of heavy-load, high-speed in mechanical systems such as wind turbines, helicopters, ships, etc., contact fatigue issues of gears are becoming more preponderant. Recently, significant improvements have been made on the gear manufacturing process to control subsurface-initiated failures, hence, gear surface-initiated damages, such as micropitting, should be given more attention. The diversity of the influence factors, including gear materials, surface topographies, lubrication properties, working conditions, etc., are necessary to be taken into account when analyzing gear micropitting behaviors. Although remarkable developments in micropitting studies have been achieved recently by many researchers and engineers on both theoretical and experimental fields, large amounts of investigations are yet to be further launched to thoroughly understand the micropitting mechanism. This work reviews recent relevant studies on the micropitting of steel gears, especially the competitive phenomenon that occurs among several contact fatigue failure modes when considering gear tooth surface wear evolution. Meanwhile, the corresponding recent research results about gear micropitting issues obtained by the authors are also displayed for more detailed explanations. Full article

Amorphous aluminum compounds are formed during the synthesis of the γ-Al₂O₃ catalyst precursor. Amorphous compounds influence on the alumina catalyst variously due to different physicochemical properties, which depend on the method of their preparation. In this research, the comparative analysis of physicochemical properties of amorphous aluminum compounds that were obtained by the precipitation method, the thermal decomposition of aluminum nitrate, and alcoxide hydrolysis product were studied. It is the first time that a new method for calculating of quantitative phase composition of amorphous aluminum compounds using the X-ray powder diffraction, thermogravimetric and differential scanning calorimetry analysis, mass-spectrometry, and CHN-analysis was described. Properties of obtaining samples were studied using scanning electron microscopy, low-temperature nitrogen adsorption, and temperature programmed desorption of ammonium analyses. The methods of precipitation and thermal decomposition of aluminum nitrate allows for obtaining non-porous samples consisting of a mixture of amorphous phases (hydroxide and basic salt) that contain the metals impurities and have low acidity of the oxides obtained from them. The highly porous amorphous alumina formed by the thermal decomposition of the alcoxide hydrolysis product with the least amount of impurities and a high acidity of the surface was observed. Full article

Metal nanoparticles have been reported to have a high antimicrobial activity against fungi, bacteria, and yeasts. In this study, we aimed to synthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using a chemical reduction method at 90 °C. The obtained AgNPs were used as an antifungal coating on packaging paper, to control the growth of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides in cut orchid flowers during the shipping process. The AgNPs were characterized by a UV-Vis spectroscopy and atomic force microscope (AFM). The results indicated that their shape was spherical and homogenous, with an average size of 47 nm. An AgNPs concentration of 20 and 50 particles per million (ppm), mixed with starch, was prepared as the coating solution. The paper coated with a concentration of 50 ppm exhibited a significant antifungal activity against C. gloeosporioides compared to 20 ppm. The coated paper had a higher water resistance and better mechanical properties compared to the uncoated paper. Additionally, we observed a significant reduction in the number of orchid inflorescence anthers, infected by C. gloeosporioides, when stored in the coated boxes. The current study demonstrates that paper boxes, coated with AgNPs, can be used in controlling the C. gloeosporioides infection during storage of cut orchid flowers. Full article

This paper compares the resistance of 20 commercial transparent and semi-transparent coatings applied to European and Siberian larch during artificial weathering in Xenotest. The change in gloss, colour, contact angle of wetting, resistance to Aspergillus niger and Penicillium brevicompactum moulds was evaluated, and visual changes at the top surface of treated wood species were measured. Overall, the durability of coatings on European larch was higher than that on Siberian larch. The most durable of the tested coatings was a thin-film, i.e., semi-transparent oil-based film containing TiO₂ pigment and propiconazole fungicide. Of the transparent coatings, the most stable was a thick acrylic coating. Conversely, penetrating transparent oil systems had low colour stability and overall lifespan. Artificial weathering of all of the coatings resulted in a marked decrease in their resistance to moulds. Full article

In this work a novel ambient curable coating was synthesized based on the Michael addition reaction of acetoacetylated castor oil and a multifunctional acrylate. In the research, we used hexamethylene diacrylate as crosslinker to optimize the reaction conditions and found that a ratio of acetoacetylated castor oil to acrylate groups of 1:1.5 and a catalyst (DBU) loading of 2 wt % provided an appropriate curing time. The acetoacetylated castor oil was characterized by ¹H NMR and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy and the obtained coating characterized by FTIR to confirm the functionalization reaction. The tensile strength, cross linking density, and thermal properties of the resulting thermosets were investigated by dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Results demonstrated that the glass transition temperatures, tensile strength, and thermal degradation were significantly improved with higher cross-linking density. Moreover, we prepared films with different multifunctional acrylate cross-linkers and found that with the increase of cross-linking density, the swelling of the film rate decreased. Overall, thermosets made from Michael crosslinking technology provided a highly bio-based coating system. Full article

The properties of a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) surface were modified by a one-step deposition of plasma polymerized hexamethyldisilazane (pp-HMDS) by the arc discharge method. Scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy analytical techniques were employed for morphological, structural, and chemical characterization of the pp-HMDS modified PDMS surface. The changes in PDMS substrate wetting properties were evaluated by means of contact angle measurements. The unmodified PDMS surface is hydrophobic with a contact angle of 122°, while, after pp-HMDS film deposition, a dual-scale roughness PDMS surface with contact angle values as high as 170° was obtained. It was found that the value of the contact angle depends on the plasma processing time. Chemically, the pp-HMDS presents methyl moieties, rendering it hydrophobic and making it an attractive material for creating a superhydrophobic surface, and eliminating the need for complex chemical routes. The presented approach may open up new avenues in design and fabrication of superhydrophobic and flexible organosilicon materials with a self-cleaning function. Full article

Precision control of resistivity/conductivity of LaNiO₃ (LNO) films is essential for their integration as electrodes in the functional heterostructures. This becomes possible if the relationship between processing parameters–composition–structure–resistivity is determined. LaNiO₃ films were deposited by three different chemical vapor deposition methods using different precursor supply systems: direct liquid delivery, pulsed liquid injection, and aerosol generation. The possibilities to ameliorate the efficiency of precursor evaporation and of film growth were studied. The relationship between deposition conditions and composition was determined. Detailed analysis of the epitaxial growth of LNO films on cubic and trigonal substrates and the influence of the rhombohedral distortion on the microstructural quality was done. The resistivity of LaNiO₃ films, grown by chemical vapor deposition, was mainly defined by microstructural defects and La/Ni composition. The high epitaxial quality LaNiO₃/LaAlO₃ films with nearly stoichiometric La/Ni ratio presented low resistivity, which was very close to that of bulk LaNiO₃. Their annealing in oxygen atmosphere had little effect on the resistivity, which suggests a minor presence of oxygen vacancies in the as-grown films. Full article

Interest in applications of natural dye applications has increased because of their antibacterial properties and the possibility of extracting them from nature and residues. Using nanoclays as hosts to reinforce natural dye properties has been successfully demonstrated. However, no one has attempted to optimize the polymer matrix and hybrid pigment properties at the same time to ensure the best final properties for bio-composite applications. Using a statistical design for experiments, we propose the best combination of modifiers with the best nanoclay as the host of three natural dyes: chlorophyll, β-carotene, and betanine. Using the L9 Taguchi designs, we learned both the influence of the nanoclay structure, and the addition moment of surfactant, mordant salt, and silane modifiers. FTIR, XRD, DTG, integration sphere spectrophotometer, and UV-aging tests were used to characterize the hybrid pigments and epoxy bioresin composites. The degradation temperatures of the three natural dyes rose and the reinforcement of the stability of three natural dyes to UV–Vis radiation exposure was demonstrated, which avoided the migration of these dyes from bioresin to wet ribbing. Optimal results were obtained with hydrotalcite clay (calcined or not) by using surfactant and mordant before the natural dye, and before or after silane. Full article

Aluminum coatings, which are applied by physical vapor deposition (PVD), have to be virtually defect-free in barrier applications for the packaging industry. When aluminum is applied to paper, hygroexpansion and substrate roughness can impair the aluminum coating. Neither effect is easy to detect by microscopy, but both can manifest as an increase in electrical resistance. Here, we quantified the effect of substrate paper hygroexpansion and surface roughness on the effective resistivity ρ_EFF of aluminum coatings. The sheet resistance of aluminum coated onto four different rough paper surfaces was measured via eddy currents at different relative humidity (0%–95%). The mass of aluminum per unit area was determined by inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP–MS). We calculated ρ_EFF based on the measured resistance and aluminum mass per unit area, combined with a value for aluminum density from the literature. The substrate roughness was proportional to ρ_EFF. Relative humidity correlated with the moisture content of the paper substrate according to the Guggenheim, Anderson, and De Boer (GAB) equation, whereas the moisture content showed a linear correlation with hygroexpansion. At relative humidity of up to 50%, hygroexpansion was linearly correlated with the increase in ρ_EFF, which is related to the mechanical straining and deformation of aluminum. At higher humidity, aluminum started to crack first on rough substrates and later on smooth substrates. The increase in ρ_EFF was larger on rough substrates. The findings highlight the need for information about substrate roughness, humidity, and hygroexpansion when eddy current measurement results are compared, and will help to ensure that aluminum coatings, applied by PVD, are defect-free. Full article

Stainless steel 304L (SS304L) has been selected as the material for canisters for spent fuel storage from three nuclear power plants in Taiwan. A crucial issue is extending the spent fuel storage safety standards of the canisters. The anti-saline corrosion abilities of three thermal spray coatings (i.e., Al, ZnAl, and 625 Inconel alloys) on the SS304L were evaluated by immersion in 3.5 wt % aqueous NaCl and with 0.025 g/cm² NaCl deposition at 80 °C and 80% relative humidity (RH) for 1000 h. The pristine thermal spray coatings were examined using the pull-off adhesion test to understand the adhesion strength, and Vickers hardness was measured for the mechanical properties of the three coatings. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) was used to identify the porosities of the coatings. Furthermore, the surfaces of the specimens before and after corrosion were investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The composition and distribution of the oxide layers formed on the coating surfaces during corrosion were evaluated. Electrochemical measurement was also performed with the polarization method to quantify the corrosion property of the three thermal spray coatings. The results showed that the corrosion rate of Al coating was lowest from the Tafel analysis after the 1000 h corrosion test in 3.5% aqueous NaCl. In contrast, the corrosion rate of Inconel 625 was lowest after 1000 h of the NaCl deposition corrosion test in a controlled environment. Therefore, the ZnAl thermal spray coating is a potential protection layer, keeping in mind economic considerations, of SS304L for anti-corrosion in saline environments. Full article