Fabrication and Enhancement of Functional Surface Based on Advanced Coatings and Cutting Technologies

Dear Colleagues,

Surface modification and functional surface fabrication technologies for metallic materials represent a critical research direction in modern surface engineering. These technologies aim to regulate the surface characteristics of materials through physical, chemical, or hybrid approaches, endowing them with specialized functionalities that surpass the intrinsic properties of the substrate. By altering surface composition, microstructure, or morphology, these techniques significantly enhance wear resistance, corrosion resistance, biocompatibility, catalytic activity, or optical/electrical performance while preserving the mechanical strength and cost-effectiveness of the bulk material.

The significance of surface engineering technology is primarily reflected in the following aspects: First, it can significantly extend the service life of materials. Through surface-strengthening treatments, the operational lifespan of components in harsh working conditions can be multiplied, greatly reducing equipment maintenance and replacement costs. Second, this technology can overcome the performance limitations of bulk materials, enabling ordinary materials to acquire specialized properties required for high-end applications through surface modification, thereby substantially expanding the scope of material utilization. Third, surface engineering technology enables functional innovation in products, such as the development of novel functional materials like superhydrophobic self-cleaning surfaces, smart responsive surfaces, and bioactive surfaces, all of which rely on surface engineering techniques. Additionally, this technology offers energy-saving and environmental benefits. By replacing bulk material upgrades with localized treatments, it conserves scarce resources while reducing energy consumption and environmental pollution.

Currently, surface engineering technology has been widely applied in critical industries such as the aerospace, energy and power, transportation, biomedical, electronic information, and national defense industries. It not only provides key technological support for upgrading traditional industries but also creates essential conditions for developing strategic emerging industries. In the future, with continuous breakthroughs in new materials and processes, surface engineering technology is poised to play an even more significant role across broader fields, making greater contributions to human technological progress and socio-economic development.

Therefore, the objective of this Special Issue is the publication of original research and review articles in the field of modern surface engineering. Papers that employ the advanced coatings and cutting technologies concept for enhancing functional surface properties are welcomed. We also welcome scholars from related fields to contribute their latest research results to this Special Issue. Understanding the mechanisms of surface modification and fabrication technologies can provide a deeper comprehension of the generation and controllability of functional surfaces.

Suitable topics include but are not limited to the following:

• Design theory and methods of functional surfaces.
• Additive manufacturing technology for functional surfaces.
• Advanced coating technology for functional surfaces.
• Advanced subtractive manufacturing technology for functional surfaces, particularly energy field-assisted machining.
• Advanced strengthening and modification manufacturing technology for functional surfaces.
• Fabrication mechanisms and control strategies of functional surfaces.
• Surface integrity analysis of functional surfaces.
• Performance enhancement mechanisms of functional surfaces.
• Performance evaluation of functional surfaces.

Dr. Peirong Zhang
Prof. Dr. Bing Wang
Dr. Weimin Huang
Guest Editors

Dr. Jian Zhao
Guest Editor Assistant

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Coatings is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• surface modification
• surface fabrication
• functional properties
• advanced coating technology
• advanced cutting technology