Advances in Processing and Characterization of Metal-Based Nanocomposites Materials towards Development of Functional Applications

Dear Colleagues,

Metal matrix nanocomposites have been of great interest in recent years, mainly due to their superior thermal, electrical, mechanical, and construction characteristics and properties, which are relevant for the development of functional prototypes in different fields such as automotive, aerospace, and electronics. In this sense, the development of these materials and their processability has become a topic of scientific interest for the development of new analytical and experimental strategies that help improve the properties of said nanocomposites.

However, the more precise requirements for the choice of matrix, reinforcement, and suitable techniques such as processing and post-processing are not fully defined. Furthermore, new facilities in the case of metal matrix nanocomposites are always suggested by the continuous progress of new materials, particularly in the nanosize range. For this reason, it is important to deeply investigate the connection between features, constituents (including matrix), reinforcement, interfaces, and also production techniques. This is one of the most interesting topics in the field of metal matrix composites.

This Special Issue covers the most relevant topics in relation to the development, characterization, and processability of nanocomposites with functional applications (examples of functional applications: electrodes, protectors, etc.). Likewise, it welcomes scientific works that allow for improving the understanding of adhesion and dispersion of nanomaterials in metallic matrices with a focus on, but while not limited to, thin films, coatings, etc. (The idea is to include development fronts that involve the combination of fields such as powder metallurgy, sputtering deposition, mechanical or chemical plating, etc.) The main objective, therefore, will be to present the latest results in the area of metal matrix nanocomposites to the research community around the world.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Emmanuel Segura-Cárdenas
Dr. Hector R. Siller
Guest Editors

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 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

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.