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Influences of SiO₂ Additions on the Structures and Thermal Properties of AlTaO₄ Ceramics as EBC Materials
Enhancing Mechanical, Impact, and Corrosion Resistance of Self-Healable Polyaspartic Ester Polyurea via Surface Modified Graphene Nanoplatelets
Influence of Surface Sanding on the Coating Durability of Spruce as Facade Board
Surface Damage Detection and Analysis for Reduction-Fired Cyan Square Bricks in Jiangnan Gardens via YOLOv12
Sustainable Edible Coatings Enriched with Bioactive Extracts for the Postharvest Preservation of Strawberries

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), 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 14.7 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 2.4 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the first half of 2025).
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: 2.8 (2024); 5-Year Impact Factor: 3.0 (2024)

Imprint Information Journal Flyer Open Access ISSN: 2079-6412

Latest Articles

20 pages, 4461 KB

Open AccessArticle

Mechanosynthesis of SbSI Targets for Pulsed Electron Deposition of Ferro-Photovoltaic Thin Films

by Michele Casappa, Elena Del Canale, Davide Delmonte, Francesco Pattini, Giulia Spaggiari, Anna Moliterni, Cinzia Giannini, Andrea Aroldi, Edgardo Ademar Saucedo Silva, Alejandro Navarro, Davide Calestani, Giovanna Trevisi, Marzio Rancan, Lidia Armelao, Matteo Bronzoni, Edmondo Gilioli and Stefano Rampino

Coatings 2025, 15(10), 1232; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings15101232 - 21 Oct 2025

A solvent-free, solid-state mechanochemical method was developed to synthesize the chalcohalide compound SbSI at room temperature. Dry high-energy planetary ball milling of elemental antimony, sulfur, and iodine produced a pure, stoichiometric polycrystalline SbSI powder with an orthorhombic structure. This powder was then sintered [...] Read more.

A solvent-free, solid-state mechanochemical method was developed to synthesize the chalcohalide compound SbSI at room temperature. Dry high-energy planetary ball milling of elemental antimony, sulfur, and iodine produced a pure, stoichiometric polycrystalline SbSI powder with an orthorhombic structure. This powder was then sintered under mild thermal conditions to create dense targets. Amorphous SbSI thin films were subsequently deposited from these targets at room temperature using Pulsed Electron Deposition. The films maintained the correct stoichiometry and exhibited an optical bandgap of 1.89 eV. Post-deposition annealing at 90 °C in air successfully induced crystallization, demonstrating a viable, low-temperature, and eco-friendly route to produce polycrystalline SbSI thin films. This scalable approach has promising potential for optoelectronic and energy-harvesting applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Functional Nanostructured Films and Coatings for Energy Applications, 2nd Edition)

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14 pages, 1696 KB

Open AccessArticle

Environmentally Durable Au-Based Low-e Coatings

by Wan Noor Sofia Wan Shamsuddin, Kamil Zuber, Peter J. Murphy and Marta Llusca Jane

Coatings 2025, 15(10), 1231; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings15101231 - 21 Oct 2025

Low-emissivity (low-e) coatings are used in architectural and automotive glazing for energy-saving applications. These are used to minimise heat transmission through the windows by reflection. Low-e coatings are semi-transparent coatings that typically comprise a metallic layer that reflects infrared light, sandwiched between two [...] Read more.

Low-emissivity (low-e) coatings are used in architectural and automotive glazing for energy-saving applications. These are used to minimise heat transmission through the windows by reflection. Low-e coatings are semi-transparent coatings that typically comprise a metallic layer that reflects infrared light, sandwiched between two dielectric layers that protect the metal and enhance its visible transmittance. Ag is usually used as the metallic layer because of its colour neutrality and low optical absorption in the visible range. However, Ag-based low-e coatings easily degrade upon atmosphere exposure; therefore, they need to be placed inside the cavities of multiple-pane windows. In this paper, Au was used as an alternative to Ag and was sandwiched between WO₃, SnO₂ and Nb₂O₅ dielectric layers. The thickness of each layer was optimised to achieve the highest visible transmittance and infrared reflectance. The durability of the coatings was assessed by means of corrosion and abrasion resistance tests. We demonstrate that the Nb₂O₅/Au/Nb₂O₅ coating system provides a visible light transmittance of 56%, an emissivity as low as 0.04 and outstanding corrosion resistance (1000 h of salt spray testing), indicating its excellent potential to be used as first surface low-e coating. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Research on Optical Materials and Coatings)

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13 pages, 1708 KB

Open AccessArticle

Preparation and Properties of Composite Coatings Fabricated from Carved Lacquer Waste and Waterborne Acrylic Resin

by Xinyue Du, Yuemin Feng, Alin Olarescu, Yushu Chen and Xinyou Liu

Coatings 2025, 15(10), 1230; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings15101230 - 21 Oct 2025

This study developed a waterborne UV-curable acrylic composite coating incorporated with carved lacquer powder and systematically investigated the effects of powder and deionized water content on its properties. The results showed that the carved lacquer powder content significantly influenced the optical, mechanical, and [...] Read more.

This study developed a waterborne UV-curable acrylic composite coating incorporated with carved lacquer powder and systematically investigated the effects of powder and deionized water content on its properties. The results showed that the carved lacquer powder content significantly influenced the optical, mechanical, and curing behaviors of the coating, while the water content had negligible impact. Specifically, increasing the powder content reduced lightness, enhanced red hue, and decreased gloss. An optimal comprehensive performance was achieved at 20% powder content, with adhesion reaching grade 5, flexibility of 10 mm, and impact resistance of 6 kg·cm. FTIR analysis confirmed that high powder content (≥20%) led to incomplete curing due to UV shielding. The coatings showed moderate resistance to water, acid, and saline environments but poor alkaline resistance due to the chemical instability of cinnabar. SEM revealed increased surface roughness at high powder loading (30%). More importantly, this work presents a sustainable approach to recycle carved lacquer waste and demonstrates a viable strategy for incorporating traditional cultural heritage materials into advanced functional coatings. The study demonstrates that carved lacquer powder can be effectively integrated into UV-curable coatings to achieve unique decorative effects, and a content of approximately 20% is recommended to achieve balanced properties. Full article

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

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14 pages, 1964 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Influence of Natural Light Aging on the Surface Properties of Colored Chinese Lacquer Coatings

by Mihaela Liu, Zhigao Wang, Anca Maria Varodi and Xinyou Liu

Coatings 2025, 15(10), 1229; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings15101229 - 21 Oct 2025

Chinese lacquer (urushi), a traditional East Asian coating material, has been used for more than 7000 years due to its durability, gloss, and cultural significance. However, its long-term stability under natural light remains insufficiently studied, especially regarding the role of mineral pigments in [...] Read more.

Chinese lacquer (urushi), a traditional East Asian coating material, has been used for more than 7000 years due to its durability, gloss, and cultural significance. However, its long-term stability under natural light remains insufficiently studied, especially regarding the role of mineral pigments in modulating photoaging behavior. In this study, three traditional lacquer coatings pigmented with cinnabar (HgS), orpiment (As₂S₃), and lapis lazuli were subjected to natural light aging for nine weeks. Colorimetric analysis revealed rapid chromatic changes during the initial stage of exposure, followed by slower transformations, with cinnabar-based red lacquer showing superior stability compared to orpiment- and lapis-based coatings. Gloss measurements and surface roughness analyses demonstrated a strong negative correlation, with yellow lacquer exhibiting the most severe gloss loss (≈30%) and roughness increase (≈89%), consistent with scanning electron microscopy observations of microcracking and surface deterioration. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) indicated pigment-dependent oxidative degradation, characterized by intensified carbonyl and aromatic C=C bands. Collectively, the results confirm that mineral pigments strongly influence the optical, chemical, and structural stability of lacquer coatings. From a conservation perspective, cinnabar-based lacquers exhibit higher resilience, whereas orpiment- and lapis-colored coatings are highly vulnerable, underscoring the need for pigment-specific preservation strategies for lacquerware cultural heritage. Full article

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

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14 pages, 1937 KB

Open AccessArticle

Water-Developable PFAS-Free Glycan-Derived Positive Photoresist Materials for Environmentally Friendly Lithography

by Yuna Hachikubo, Hiryu Hayashi, Mano Ando, Mayu Morita, Misaki Oshima, Abdul Manaf Hashim, Nurul Hanis Azhan, Takayuki Ota and Satoshi Takei

Coatings 2025, 15(10), 1228; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings15101228 - 20 Oct 2025

Traditional lithography processes use resist materials that require organic solvents during the development step but also often contain components derived from PFASs (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), raising concerns about environmental pollution and sustainability. PFASs are difficult to degrade, and their long-term effects on [...] Read more.

Traditional lithography processes use resist materials that require organic solvents during the development step but also often contain components derived from PFASs (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), raising concerns about environmental pollution and sustainability. PFASs are difficult to degrade, and their long-term effects on ecosystems and human health are the subject of international concern, making the development of alternative technologies an urgent priority. Lithography is a fundamental technology with applications beyond semiconductor manufacturing, electronics, biomedicine, and microfluidic devices. Addressing its environmental impact remains critical in both academic and industrial contexts. This study introduces a water-developable positive photoresist derived from a polymeric material incorporating plant-derived sugar chains as the resist backbone. The reactivity of the material to ultraviolet irradiation, enabled by a photoacid generator, allows microfabrication through water development. Moreover, successful micrometer-scale patterning demonstrated a superior resolution compared to previous sugar-derived water-developable resists. The dextrin-based resist exhibited the highest performance, achieving a sensitivity of 150 mJ/cm² and a resolution of 3.6 µm under an environmentally benign, PFAS-free process that enabled development with water. These findings propose a sustainable alternative to conventional petrochemical-derived photoresists, positioning it as a promising candidate for environmentally friendly photolithography processes. Full article

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

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12 pages, 3901 KB

Open AccessArticle

Comparison of Microstructure, Mechanical Properties, and Wear Properties of Cold Sprayed and HVOF WC-10Co4Cr Coatings on 4340 Steel Substrates

by Jiamin Zeng, Xiankun Ji, Yingjing Yuan, Yonghong Wang, Li Liu, Nanyang Su, Zhuang Qian, Xin Chu, Yingchun Xie and Chunming Deng

Coatings 2025, 15(10), 1227; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings15101227 - 20 Oct 2025

This paper investigates WC-10Co4Cr coatings on 4340 steel prepared by conventional HVOF and novel cold spraying (CS) under optimal process parameters to address low wear resistance. The results show that the CS WC-10Co4Cr coating porosity is less than 0.1%, while the HVOF WC-10Co4Cr [...] Read more.

This paper investigates WC-10Co4Cr coatings on 4340 steel prepared by conventional HVOF and novel cold spraying (CS) under optimal process parameters to address low wear resistance. The results show that the CS WC-10Co4Cr coating porosity is less than 0.1%, while the HVOF WC-10Co4Cr coating porosity is about 0.3%. The WC phase in the CS coating did not change, whereas the WC phase in the HVOF coating underwent decarburization and a new W₂C phase was formed. The microhardness of the CS WC-10Co4Cr coating reaches 1617.2 HV_0.3, which is about 50% higher than that of HVOF WC-10Co4Cr coating of 1061.3 HV_0.3. The sliding wear rate of the CS WC-10Co4Cr coatings is 0.17 × 10⁻⁵ μm³/N·m, which is 40% of that of the HVOF coatings. The CS coating’s fretting wear rate is 1.28 μm³/N·m, which is 40% faster than that of HVOF coating. However, the bond strength of the CS WC-10Co4Cr coating (35 MPa) is lower than that of the HVOF coating (73.5 MPa). Overall, the WC-10Co4Cr coatings prepared by the CS process have higher hardness, denser coating microstructure, and better sliding wear resistance than those prepared by the conventional HVOF process. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cold-Spray Coatings: Microstructure, Mechanical Properties and Applications)

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22 pages, 5262 KB

Open AccessArticle

An SWIR-MIR Spectral Database of Organic Coatings Used on Historic Metals

by Elizabeth Provost and Aaron Shugar

Coatings 2025, 15(10), 1226; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings15101226 - 20 Oct 2025

Surface organic coatings (SOCs) composed of drying oils, resins, and bitumen were commonly applied to small Renaissance bronze sculptures to enhance their visual and physical properties, producing dark, lustrous surfaces that were both esthetic and protective. Yet, the identification of these coatings remains [...] Read more.

Surface organic coatings (SOCs) composed of drying oils, resins, and bitumen were commonly applied to small Renaissance bronze sculptures to enhance their visual and physical properties, producing dark, lustrous surfaces that were both esthetic and protective. Yet, the identification of these coatings remains challenging due to aging, conservation interventions, and the damage caused by physical sampling. This study presents a reproducible, non-destructive protocol for characterizing SOCs on metal substrates using external reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ER-FTIR) and fiber optic reflectance spectroscopy (FORS). Twenty-seven reference coating mock-ups of linseed oil, walnut oil, mastic resin, pine resin, and bitumen were stoved onto bronze coupons and artificially aged. Spectra were analyzed across the visible/near-infrared (VIS-NIR) (~400–1000 nm), short-wave-infrared (SWIR) (~1000–2500 nm), and mid-infrared (MIR) (~2.5–25 µm) ranges, with key diagnostic features identified for each component and blend, including primary absorptions, combination bands, and overtones. ER-FTIR proved highly effective in detecting oil–resin mixtures and later wax coatings through characteristic bands in the MIR, while FORS, enhanced by first-derivative processing, successfully differentiated triterpenoid and diterpenoid resins and identified multi-component SOCs in the SWIR region. The reference spectral database generated in this study is intended to serve as a comparative tool for future non-invasive analysis of organic coatings on metal surfaces and to demonstrate that ER-FTIR and FORS, used in tandem, offer a practical and scalable framework for the non-destructive identification of SOCs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Research and Application of Organic and Inorganic Coatings)

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21 pages, 7759 KB

Open AccessArticle

Electric Field-Assisted Chemical Bath Deposition of ZnO Thin Films: Effects of Field Intensity, Polarity Inversion, and Air Agitation on Film Properties

by Jesús Bladimir Cepero-Rodríguez, Francisco Ramos-Brito, Jorge Noe Angulo-Rocha, Marco Antonio Sánchez-Alejó, Rafael Martínez-Martínez, Enrique Camarillo-García, Erika Lizárraga-Medina, Fernando J. Sánchez-Rodríguez, Castulo Alejo-Armenta, Adrián Canizalez-Román, Santos Jesús Castillo, J. Joel Molina-Duarte and Manuel García-Hipólito

Coatings 2025, 15(10), 1225; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings15101225 - 18 Oct 2025

This study presents an innovative modification to the chemical bath deposition method for synthesizing zinc oxide thin films by incorporating a high-voltage electric field, with and without electrical polarity inversion, to influence film growth dynamics. Two configurations were developed to assess the effects [...] Read more.

This study presents an innovative modification to the chemical bath deposition method for synthesizing zinc oxide thin films by incorporating a high-voltage electric field, with and without electrical polarity inversion, to influence film growth dynamics. Two configurations were developed to assess the effects of electric field strength, periodic inversion, air agitation, and solution pH on the morphological, structural, and optical properties of ZnO coatings. Morphology studies revealed that particle size, shape, and distribution were strongly dependent on synthesis parameters, with electric field and air injection enabling higher surface coverage and finer nanostructures. Crystalline structural analysis confirmed the formation of the wurtzite ZnO phase, with reduced interplanar spacing and crystallite size under electric fields, especially when polarity was inverted. Optical measurements showed a consistent increase in the band gap (blue shift) and reduced defect-related absorption when electric field is applied. These findings are evidence that controlled electric field application during chemical bath deposition enables precise tuning of ZnO film properties. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Ceramic Materials and Coatings: Synthesis, Properties and Applications)

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12 pages, 3708 KB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of BN Buffer Layer Thickness on Interfacial Structure and Band Alignment of a-BN/4H-SiC Heterojunctions

by Yang-Chao Liu, Wen-Jie Chen, Man Luo, Zimo Zhou, Lin Gu, Yi Shen, Xin Qi, Hong-Ping Ma and Qing-Chun Zhang

Coatings 2025, 15(10), 1224; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings15101224 - 18 Oct 2025

This study provides a comprehensive investigation into the growth behavior of boron nitride (BN) buffer layers on Silicon carbide (SiC) substrates and their influence on interfacial band alignment. BN layers were deposited on semi-insulating SiC by RF magnetron sputtering with deposition times of [...] Read more.

This study provides a comprehensive investigation into the growth behavior of boron nitride (BN) buffer layers on Silicon carbide (SiC) substrates and their influence on interfacial band alignment. BN layers were deposited on semi-insulating SiC by RF magnetron sputtering with deposition times of 2.5, 5, and 7.5 min (these deposition times are specific experimental parameters to adjust the thickness of the amorphous BN layer, not intrinsic material properties of BN). Atomic force microscopy revealed that the surface roughness of the BN layers initially decreased and then increased with thickness, indicating an evolution from nucleation to continuous film formation, followed by surface coarsening. Transmission electron microscopy confirmed the BN thicknesses of approximately 3.25, 4.91, and 7.57 nm, showing that the layers gradually became uniform and compact, thereby improving the structural integrity of the BN/SiC interface. Band alignment was analyzed using the Kraut method, yielding a valence band offset of ~0.36 eV and a conduction band offset of ~2.34 eV for the BN/SiC heterojunction. This alignment indicates that the BN buffer layer introduces a pronounced electron barrier, effectively suppressing leakage, while the relatively small VBO facilitates hole transport across the interface. These findings demonstrate that the BN buffer layer enhances interfacial bonding, reduces defect states, and enables band structure engineering, offering a promising strategy for improving the performance of wide-bandgap semiconductor devices. Full article

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26 pages, 5667 KB

Open AccessArticle

Performance of High-Fluidity Cementitious Grouting Materials with Recycled Waste Glass in Semi-Flexible Pavement Mixture

by Ayman Hassan AL-Qudah, Suhana Koting, Mohd Rasdan Ibrahim, Muna M. Alibrahim and Abdullah I. Al-Mansour

Coatings 2025, 15(10), 1223; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings15101223 - 18 Oct 2025

Semi-flexible pavement (SFP) relies primarily on the properties of cementitious grouting material (CGM), which plays a crucial role in providing durability and crack resistance. This paper investigates the performance of CGMs containing recycled waste glass (RWG) as a replacement to fine granite aggregate [...] Read more.

Semi-flexible pavement (SFP) relies primarily on the properties of cementitious grouting material (CGM), which plays a crucial role in providing durability and crack resistance. This paper investigates the performance of CGMs containing recycled waste glass (RWG) as a replacement to fine granite aggregate (FGA) and their effect on SFP mixtures. Two high-fluidity glass-cementitious grouts (Glcement grouts) were developed and tested at five RWG replacement levels (0%, 30%, 50%, 70%, and 100%). The results indicated that CGM with 70% RWG provided the most balanced performance, with a flowability of 11.8 s, low drying shrinkage (0.04%), and water absorption not exceeding 1.9%. The mechanical properties were significantly enhanced, achieving a high compressive strength of 121.9 MPa and a high flexural strength of 13.9 MPa. Microstructural analysis confirmed a refined interfacial transition zone with low porosity (5.36%), contributing to superior durability. Furthermore, the SFP mixture injected with Glcement exhibited high mechanical performance, attributed to improved interlocking within voids. In conclusion, replacing FGA with RWG in CGM optimizes both mechanical and durability properties, promoting sustainable and low-carbon pavement construction. Full article

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

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12 pages, 1298 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of 3D Printing Parameters on the Coating Performance of Chinese Lacquer on PLA Substrates

by Yi Xie, Yuemin Feng, Alin Olarescu, Yushu Chen and Xinyou Liu

Coatings 2025, 15(10), 1222; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings15101222 - 17 Oct 2025

This study systematically investigates the influence of 3D printing parameters on the surface morphology and coating performance of polylactic acid (PLA) substrates finished with traditional Chinese lacquer. PLA specimens were fabricated using fused deposition modeling (FDM) with varying print speeds, layer heights, and [...] Read more.

This study systematically investigates the influence of 3D printing parameters on the surface morphology and coating performance of polylactic acid (PLA) substrates finished with traditional Chinese lacquer. PLA specimens were fabricated using fused deposition modeling (FDM) with varying print speeds, layer heights, and infill densities, followed by natural lacquer coating and controlled curing. Surface roughness, gloss, adhesion, and wear resistance were evaluated through standardized tests, while microstructural analysis using SEM revealed the interfacial morphology and film uniformity. Results indicate that layer height is the most dominant factor, exerting significant effects on all surface and coating properties. Increasing layer height led to higher surface roughness, which in turn reduced gloss due to enhanced diffuse scattering but improved adhesion and wear resistance through stronger mechanical interlocking. Print speed showed a secondary influence on adhesion, attributed to its effect on interlayer bonding and surface porosity, while infill density exhibited minimal influence except on wear resistance. The application of Chinese lacquer significantly reduced surface irregularities owing to its excellent self-leveling and gap-filling capabilities, producing smooth, durable, and well-adhered coatings. Overall, the study demonstrates that integrating traditional lacquer with modern FDM technology provides a sustainable and high-performance finishing solution for 3D-printed PLA, bridging cultural craftsmanship with advanced additive manufacturing for potential applications in decorative, protective, and eco-friendly products. Full article

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

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14 pages, 4922 KB

Open AccessArticle

Morphological, Compositional and Optical Properties of Cu_xS Films on FTO Glass

by Dominyka Zubrickaite, Asta Bronusiene and Ingrida Ancutiene

Coatings 2025, 15(10), 1221; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings15101221 - 17 Oct 2025

In this study, by varying the concentrations of the precursors used, copper sulfide films were deposited on FTO glass using the sequential ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) method and the following copper sulfide phases were detected: anilite, djurleite, chalcocite, and yarrowite. It [...] Read more.

In this study, by varying the concentrations of the precursors used, copper sulfide films were deposited on FTO glass using the sequential ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) method and the following copper sulfide phases were detected: anilite, djurleite, chalcocite, and yarrowite. It was found that the films of copper sulfides are unevenly distributed, that the crystallinity of the films increases with increasing annealing temperature from 100 to 400 °C, and that the particles aggregate into agglomerates. The films formed were found to be dominated by copper sulfides, and the calculated molar ratio of copper to sulfur varied with the concentrations of the precursors used, ranging from 1.4 to 2.2. The values of the band gap energy were not significantly affected by the change in the concentrations of the precursors and the annealing temperature, varying between 1.0 and 1.5 and 1.95–2.15 eV. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Progress in Thin Films and Surfaces: Deposition, Characterization and Various Applications)

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21 pages, 3811 KB

Open AccessArticle

TEOS-Based Fiber Fabrication via Electrospinning: Influence of Process Parameters and NMC Doping on Functional Properties

by Nida Tezgel, Yıldız Yaralı Özbek, Kristýna Jílková, Martin Havlík Míka, Mária Kolářová and Radovan Fojt

Coatings 2025, 15(10), 1220; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings15101220 - 17 Oct 2025

The main aim of this study is to produce TEOS-based fibers using the electrospinning method with solutions without carrier polymers, unlike most TEOS-based fibers that are produced with polymer additives. This study provides fundamental insights into the production and characterization of TEOS-based fibers [...] Read more.

The main aim of this study is to produce TEOS-based fibers using the electrospinning method with solutions without carrier polymers, unlike most TEOS-based fibers that are produced with polymer additives. This study provides fundamental insights into the production and characterization of TEOS-based fibers and offers a general overview of their potential applications. We investigate the production and overlaying of their morphological, chemical, thermal, and electrochemical properties. The effects of electrospinning parameters such as voltage, flow rate, and solution viscosity on fiber morphology were examined, revealing a strong dependence of fiber diameter and structural uniformity on these parameters. Furthermore, TEOS-based fibers containing nickel–manganese–cobalt oxide (NMC) were fabricated, and their electrochemical behavior was investigated. The analyses indicate that the addition of NMC enhances the electrochemical properties of the TEOS fibers; however, the system still requires further improvement to be effective in energy-storage applications. To investigate how the flow properties of the solution affect fiber generation during electrospinning, viscosity measurements were conducted on the TEOS-based solution. Differential thermal analysis (DTA) was applied to assess the thermal behavior and stability of the fibers at elevated temperatures. The produced fibers were analyzed using various characterization techniques. As a result, thin fibers were successfully produced. Full article

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

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13 pages, 2662 KB

Open AccessArticle

Electrodeposition of Fine-Grained Tungsten Coatings on CuCrZr Alloy Substrates from Relatively Low Temperature KF-KCl-WO₃ Molten Salt System

by Xiaoxu Dong, Wenqi Liu, Yusha Li, Zeyu Gao and Yingchun Zhang

Coatings 2025, 15(10), 1219; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings15101219 - 17 Oct 2025

To address the issue in the pure oxide molten salt system Na₂WO₄-WO₃, where the relatively high melting temperature often causes thermal corrosion of the base material and reduces electrodeposition efficiency. A new molten salt system for electrodeposition [...] Read more.

To address the issue in the pure oxide molten salt system Na₂WO₄-WO₃, where the relatively high melting temperature often causes thermal corrosion of the base material and reduces electrodeposition efficiency. A new molten salt system for electrodeposition tungsten coatings on CuCrZr substrates at relatively low temperatures was investigated. The crystal structure and microstructure of the tungsten coatings were analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The results indicate that the power supply mode, current density, and duty cycle significantly affect the microstructure, crystalline characteristics, and overall performance of the tungsten coating. Pure tungsten coatings were successfully fabricated on CuCrZr substrates at 943 K. The best electrodeposition parameters were determined to be a current density of 40 mA/cm² and a duty cycle of 40%. Moreover, after prolonged electrodeposition (60 h), the tungsten coatings retained fine grains, with sizes ranging from 2 μm to 6 μm. 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, 7424 KB

Open AccessArticle

Mechanical Consequences of Gap-Graded Soils Subjected to Internal Erosion: The Effect of Mode of Removal of Fine Particles Using Discrete Element Method

by Feng He, Haodong Xu, Yongqing Xu, Shengliang Hu, Maowen Li and Chenxi Tong

Coatings 2025, 15(10), 1218; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings15101218 - 16 Oct 2025

Seepage-induced internal erosion occurs when the hydraulic forces are sufficient to detach fine particles and transport them out of the structure, leading to notable changes in soil characteristics such as particle size distribution, pore size distribution, and pore structure, which will, in turn, [...] Read more.

Seepage-induced internal erosion occurs when the hydraulic forces are sufficient to detach fine particles and transport them out of the structure, leading to notable changes in soil characteristics such as particle size distribution, pore size distribution, and pore structure, which will, in turn, have significant influences on the mechanical properties of soil. In this study, three approaches were utilized to model the erosion-induced loss of fine particles, i.e., deleting fine particles randomly (RM), by contact force (CF), and by coordination number (CN) using the discrete element method (DEM). The impact of each fine particle removal mode on both micro- and macro-mechanical soil properties, including peak strength, dilation, critical state characteristics, average particle coordination number, and contact force distribution, is comprehensively analyzed and compared. The results demonstrate that residual strength was insensitive to removal method, whereas at 10% fines loss, peak strength decreased by up to 17% and the secant stiffness E₅₀ decreased by nearly 48%. This work provides a foundation for simulating the internal erosion of gap-graded soils. Full article

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

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13 pages, 3827 KB

Open AccessArticle

Preparation and Corrosion Resistance of Hydrothermal Coatings on LZ91 Mg–Li Alloy

by Liu Yang, Shiyuan Li, Hao Peng, Hao Jiang, Yong Wang, Yingping Guan and Hongwang Zhang

Coatings 2025, 15(10), 1217; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings15101217 - 16 Oct 2025

A corrosion-resistant coating was fabricated on the surface of LZ91 Mg–Li alloy via a one-step hydrothermal method under varying reaction temperatures (70, 90, 110, and 130 °C). This involved immersing bare Mg–Li alloy substrates in a 10 wt.% Na₂CO₃ aqueous [...] Read more.

A corrosion-resistant coating was fabricated on the surface of LZ91 Mg–Li alloy via a one-step hydrothermal method under varying reaction temperatures (70, 90, 110, and 130 °C). This involved immersing bare Mg–Li alloy substrates in a 10 wt.% Na₂CO₃ aqueous solution for 3 h. The microstructure, elemental distribution, and phase composition of the as-prepared coatings were systematically characterized using scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction. The corrosion resistance was evaluated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and potentiodynamic polarization measurements. The results revealed that the hydrothermal treatment led to the formation of a dense nanostructured coating composed of fine nanosheets, with their morphology and population density being highly dependent on the reaction temperature. Phase analysis confirmed that the coating primarily consisted of Mg(OH)₂, MgCO₃, and Li₂CO₃. The electrochemical tests demonstrated that the coatings substantially enhanced the corrosion resistance of the alloy. Additionally, the corrosion resistance decreased in the following order: 130 °C > 110 °C > 90 °C > 70 °C > bare LZ91 substrate. Full article

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

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21 pages, 3658 KB

Open AccessReview

An Overview of Metallic Abradable Coatings in Gas Turbine Engines

by Kaue Bertuol, Bruno Edu Arendarchuck and Pantcho Stoyanov

Coatings 2025, 15(10), 1216; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings15101216 - 16 Oct 2025

This review presents a comprehensive overview of metallic abradable coatings and the advanced testing methodologies used to evaluate their performance in gas turbine engines. Abradable materials are engineered to act as sacrificial coatings, enabling minimal blade tip wear while maintaining tight clearances between [...] Read more.

This review presents a comprehensive overview of metallic abradable coatings and the advanced testing methodologies used to evaluate their performance in gas turbine engines. Abradable materials are engineered to act as sacrificial coatings, enabling minimal blade tip wear while maintaining tight clearances between rotating blades and stationary components. Such functionality is critical in aerospace applications, where engines operate at high rotational speeds and across wide temperature ranges. The review examines the principal factors governing the design and selection of metallic-based abradable coatings, including material composition, thermal stability, and microstructural tailoring through the addition of phase modifiers, porosity formers, and solid lubricants. The performance of various metallic matrix materials is also discussed concerning their operational temperature ranges and wear characteristics. Particular attention is given to abradability evaluation methods, emphasizing the need to replicate engine-representative conditions to capture blade–coating interactions, frictional behavior, and wear mechanisms. This review consolidates advances in material compositions, microstructural engineering, and experimental testing, integrating perspectives from materials science, tribology, and methodology to guide the development of next-generation turbine coatings. It specifically addresses the lack of a unified review linking material design, thermal spray processes, and performance evaluation by summarizing key compositions, microstructures, and testing methods. Full article

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

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18 pages, 9928 KB

Open AccessArticle

Simulation and Experimental Study of γ-TiAl Alloy Cutting with scCO₂-MQL Based on Modified Heat Transfer Coefficient

by Limin Shi, Xuehao Zhao, Lixin Cui, Haonan Chen and Erliang Liu

Coatings 2025, 15(10), 1215; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings15101215 - 16 Oct 2025

Current heat transfer coefficient models for scCO₂-MQL exhibit critical limitations because they neglect the Mach disk phenomenon and the effects of radial velocity distribution in the scCO₂ jets. These theoretical deficiencies result in significant deviations in the thermal predictions, limiting [...] Read more.

Current heat transfer coefficient models for scCO₂-MQL exhibit critical limitations because they neglect the Mach disk phenomenon and the effects of radial velocity distribution in the scCO₂ jets. These theoretical deficiencies result in significant deviations in the thermal predictions, limiting the application potential of scCO₂-MQL technology in γ-TiAl machining applications. This study establishes a modified heat transfer coefficient model incorporating Mach disk and radial velocity distribution correction factors to characterise complex jet flow behaviour. Based on the modified heat transfer coefficient model, comprehensive simulation and experimental investigations were conducted to analyse cutting forces, cutting temperatures, stress distributions, and serrated chip formation during scCO₂-MQL machining of γ-TiAl alloys. Results demonstrate that the modified model achieves superior predictive accuracy, with average relative error reductions of 21.8% for cutting force predictions and 37.3% for temperature predictions compared to conventional models. The developed modified heat transfer coefficient model establishes a foundation for the widespread application of scCO₂-MQL cutting of γ-TiAl alloys. Full article

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

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22 pages, 10080 KB

Open AccessArticle

Laser Fabricated MgO-TiO₂ Based Photocatalytic Antifogging and Self-Cleaning Surface in Air

by Zhenze Zhai, Feiyue Zhang, Yongjian Gao, Longze Chen, Jia Liu, Yu Wang, Chaoran Sun and Hongtao Cui

Coatings 2025, 15(10), 1214; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings15101214 - 15 Oct 2025

A cost-effective laser marker was employed to fabricate a superhydrophilic, photocatalytic Mg-Ti-based surface on glass under ambient conditions. The photocatalytic layer was first deposited via laser processing, followed by partial laser etching to generate micro/nanostructures on the surface. This method preserves partial photocatalytic [...] Read more.

A cost-effective laser marker was employed to fabricate a superhydrophilic, photocatalytic Mg-Ti-based surface on glass under ambient conditions. The photocatalytic layer was first deposited via laser processing, followed by partial laser etching to generate micro/nanostructures on the surface. This method preserves partial photocatalytic functionality while enhancing surface roughness and introducing unique nanostructures, enabling the sample to simultaneously exhibit antifogging, self-cleaning capabilities, and high light transmittance. The optimal sample was achieved by tuning laser processing parameters, including repetition rate and scanning hatch distance. It maintained a water contact angle (WCA) of 0° after 15 days of outdoor exposure, which only increased to 21.2° after 30 days. In comparison, the WCA of reference glass increased from an initial 23.3° to 63.9° over the same period. Furthermore, the amount of dust accumulated on the optimal sample was significantly lower—by up to 43%—than that on the reference glass over one month under both indoor and outdoor conditions. After a single spray cleaning, the dust removal efficiency of the indoor-stored optimal sample reached 70%, which was 56% higher than that of the reference. For samples stored outdoors, a single spray removed 67% of the dust from the optimal surface, compared to only 26% for the reference, highlighting its excellent self-cleaning performance. Additionally, the optimal also showcased remarkable antifogging property, which had been maintained over the one-month exposure period without visible degradation. Moreover, the optimal sample exhibited a 2% enhancement in broadband light transmittance across the 400–1000 nm wavelength range, demonstrating strong potential for photovoltaic applications. The simultaneous achievement of antireflection, antifogging, and self-cleaning performance under both indoor and outdoor conditions over a one-month period has rarely been reported in the literature. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applications of Self-Cleaning Photocatalytic Coatings)

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12 pages, 3666 KB

Open AccessArticle

Development and Experimental Validation of a Filament-Assisted Chemical Vapor Deposition (FACVD) Reactor Using a Plastic Chamber

by Him Chan Kang, Jeong Heon Lee and Jae B. Kwak

Coatings 2025, 15(10), 1213; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings15101213 - 15 Oct 2025

This study explored the feasibility of using a plastic vacuum chamber for the Filament-Assisted Chemical Vapor Deposition (FACVD) of polymer thin films. Traditional chemical vapor deposition (CVD) methods often require high vacuum and elevated temperatures, which limit their use for heat-sensitive and flexible [...] Read more.

This study explored the feasibility of using a plastic vacuum chamber for the Filament-Assisted Chemical Vapor Deposition (FACVD) of polymer thin films. Traditional chemical vapor deposition (CVD) methods often require high vacuum and elevated temperatures, which limit their use for heat-sensitive and flexible substrates. FACVD enables polymer deposition under mild vacuum and temperature conditions, providing an opportunity to utilize plastic vacuum chambers as cost-effective and easily machinable alternatives to metallic chambers. In this study, a custom-designed acrylic chamber was fabricated and integrated into an FACVD system. Glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) and tert-butyl peroxide (TBPO) were considered as the monomer and initiator, respectively, for creating thin films under a low-temperature and moderate-vacuum deposition process. Polymeric film (pGMA) contains reactive epoxy groups that allow versatile post-polymerization modifications and are widely applied in coatings and biomedical fields. Preliminary experiments demonstrated the successful growth of pGMA thin films, with Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) confirming the characteristic polymer features, including the disappearance of the C=C stretching band as direct evidence of polymerization. Ellipsometry determines a uniformity of film thickness of approximately 85% for the 4-inch wafers’ area, with deposition rates in the range of 18–26 nm/h. These results highlight the potential of polymer-based chambers as cost-effective and versatile alternatives to advanced vapor-phase polymerization processes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Progress in Thin Films and Surfaces: Deposition, Characterization and Various Applications)

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