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Advanced Multifunctional Coatings for New Applications
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Advanced Multifunctional Coatings for New Applications

A special issue of Materials (ISSN 1996-1944). This special issue belongs to the section "Thin Films and Interfaces".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 September 2024 | Viewed by 8427

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Tao Wang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Shenzhen 518055, China
Interests: functional coatings; diamond and composite films; micro-nanostructured surfaces; robust superhydrophobic coatings

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Coating and surface engineering play important roles in the development of industry and society. The performance of critical raw materials has been improved in many conventional and industrial areas. With the emergence of newly developing fields, e.g., ultraprecision tools, biomedical devices, and marine instruments, coatings with remarkable functional properties are in high demand. For example, high hardness and a low friction coefficient are necessary for tool coatings. Biomedical implants require chemical inertness, biocompatibility, and antibacterial efficiency. Moreover, corrosion-resistant coatings and biofilm adhesion are needed for marine instruments.

Notably, physical vapor deposition (PVD) and chemical vapor deposition (CVD) processes, which are often used for hard (ceramic) coatings, suffer from poor nucleation and lack adhesion. These issues arise from the incompatibility of the substrate material and the coating system. Therefore, key issues for coating systems concern nucleation, growth, and the adhesion of the coating to substrates and, concomitantly, implementing deposition procedure strategies that enable the multifunctionality of the coating, i.e., by tailoring the topography (roughness) and electrical conductivity. Facile and economically viable coating deposition processes combined with excellent adhesion, resistance, and multifunctionality will improve current industrial processes and enable novel applications in the future.

This Special Issue aims to address the latest trends in advanced coatings and surface engineering. The coating technology and excellent properties are highlighted with a focus on applications in various fields, including, but not limited to, precision machining, sensors, implants, electronics, and marine instruments.

Dr. Tao Wang
Guest Editor

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. Materials is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly 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.

Keywords

  • thin films
  • micro/nanostructured surfaces
  • nucleation and film growth
  • protective coatings
  • wear and friction
  • anti-corrosion
  • anti-biofouling
  • electrical and electrochemical properties
  • superhydrophobic
  • film and coating characterization

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

11 pages, 4525 KiB  
Article
Effect of Nitrogen on Growth and Optical Properties of Single-Crystal Diamond Synthesized by Chemical Vapor Deposition
by Ying Ren, Wei Lv, Xiaogang Li, Haoyong Dong, Nicolas Wöhrl, Xun Yang, Zhengxin Li and Tao Wang
Materials 2024, 17(6), 1311; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17061311 - 12 Mar 2024
Viewed by 743
Abstract
Concurrently achieving high growth rate and high quality in single-crystal diamonds (SCDs) is significantly challenging. The growth rate of SCDs synthesized by microwave plasma chemical vapor deposition (MPCVD) was enhanced by introducing N2 into the typical CH4-H2 gas mixtures. [...] Read more.
Concurrently achieving high growth rate and high quality in single-crystal diamonds (SCDs) is significantly challenging. The growth rate of SCDs synthesized by microwave plasma chemical vapor deposition (MPCVD) was enhanced by introducing N2 into the typical CH4-H2 gas mixtures. The impact of nitrogen vacancy (NV) center concentration on growth rate, surface morphology, and lattice binding structure was investigated. The SCDs were characterized through Raman spectroscopy, photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. It was found that the saturation growth rate was increased up to 45 μm/h by incorporating 0.8–1.2% N2 into the gas atmosphere, which is 4.5 times higher than the case without nitrogen addition. Nitrogen addition altered the growth mode from step–flow to bidimensional nucleation, leading to clustered steps and a rough surface morphology, followed by macroscopically pyramidal hillock formation. The elevation of nitrogen content results in a simultaneous escalation of internal stress and defects. XPS analysis confirmed chemical bonding between nitrogen and carbon, as well as non-diamond carbon phase formation at 0.8% of nitrogen doping. Furthermore, the emission intensity of NV-related defects from PL spectra changed synchronously with N2 concentrations (0–1.5%) during diamond growth, indicating that the formation of NV centers activated the diamond lattice and facilitated nitrogen incorporation into it, thereby accelerating chemical reaction rates for achieving high-growth-rate SCDs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Multifunctional Coatings for New Applications)
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15 pages, 5238 KiB  
Article
Comparison of Sublimation 3D Scanning Sprays in Terms of Their Effect on the Resulting 3D Scan, Thickness, and Sublimation Time
by Jakub Franke, Tomáš Koutecký and Daniel Koutný
Materials 2023, 16(18), 6165; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16186165 - 11 Sep 2023
Viewed by 912
Abstract
This study compared eight sublimation scanning sprays in terms of their effect on 3D scanning results, coating thickness, and sublimation time. The work used an automated spraying system to ensure the same deposition conditions for all tested materials. All experiments were performed under [...] Read more.
This study compared eight sublimation scanning sprays in terms of their effect on 3D scanning results, coating thickness, and sublimation time. The work used an automated spraying system to ensure the same deposition conditions for all tested materials. All experiments were performed under the same environmental conditions to exclude the influence of the ambient environment on the coatings. All tested scanning sprays created coatings with thicknesses in the order of tens of micrometers that were detectable by the 3D scanner Atos III Triple Scan. The coatings must be applied carefully when accurate measurements are required. All used materials enabled the capture of the highly reflective surface of the Si-wafer. However, the differences between some sprays were significant. Sublimation time measurements showed that all coatings disappeared from the Si-wafer surface completely. Nevertheless, all coatings left visible traces on the mirror-like surface. They were easily wiped off with a cloth. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Multifunctional Coatings for New Applications)
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13 pages, 3067 KiB  
Article
Surface Morphology and Optical Properties of Hafnium Oxide Thin Films Produced by Magnetron Sputtering
by José de Jesús Araiza, Leo Álvarez-Fraga, Raúl Gago and Olga Sánchez
Materials 2023, 16(15), 5331; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16155331 - 29 Jul 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1030
Abstract
Hafnium oxide films were deposited on sapphire and silicon (100) substrates using the DC reactive magnetron sputtering technique from a pure hafnium target at different discharge power levels. The influence of the cathode power on the chemical composition, morphology, crystallographic structure and optical [...] Read more.
Hafnium oxide films were deposited on sapphire and silicon (100) substrates using the DC reactive magnetron sputtering technique from a pure hafnium target at different discharge power levels. The influence of the cathode power on the chemical composition, morphology, crystallographic structure and optical properties of the films was investigated. X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were employed to determine the chemical composition and bonding structure. In all cases, the films were found to be amorphous or nanocrystalline with increased crystalline content as the sputtering power was increased, according to XRD and FTIR. In addition, EDX showed that the films were oxygen-rich. The effect of power deposition on the surface topography and morphology of the films was studied using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The AFM and SEM images revealed the emergence of mound morphologies as the cathode power was increased. These features are related to blistering effects probably due to the presence of stress and its promotion within the film thickness. Finally, the optical properties showed an average transmission of 80% in the visible range, and the refractive index determined by spectral ellipsometry (SE) was found to be in the range of 1.85–1.92, close to the reported bulk value. SE was also used to study the film porosity observed by SEM, which can be related to the oxygen-rich character of the films. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Multifunctional Coatings for New Applications)
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20 pages, 17490 KiB  
Article
Evolution of the Microstructure and Mechanical Performance of As-Sprayed and Annealed Silicon Coating on Melt-Infiltrated Silicon Carbide Composites
by Mengqiu Guo, Yongjing Cui, Changliang Wang, Jian Jiao, Xiaofang Bi and Chunhu Tao
Materials 2023, 16(12), 4407; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16124407 - 15 Jun 2023
Viewed by 927
Abstract
In this study, silicon coating was deposited on melt-infiltrated SiC composites using atmospheric plasma spraying and then annealed at 1100 and 1250 °C for 1–10 h to investigate the effect of annealing on the layer. The microstructure and mechanical properties were evaluated using [...] Read more.
In this study, silicon coating was deposited on melt-infiltrated SiC composites using atmospheric plasma spraying and then annealed at 1100 and 1250 °C for 1–10 h to investigate the effect of annealing on the layer. The microstructure and mechanical properties were evaluated using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffractometry, transmission electron microscopy, nano-indentation, and bond strength tests. A silicon layer with a homogeneous polycrystalline cubic structure was obtained without phase transition after annealing. After annealing, three features were observed at the interface, namely β-SiC/nano-oxide film/Si, Si-rich SiC/Si, and residual Si/nano-oxide film/Si. The nano-oxide film thickness was ≤100 nm and was well combined with SiC and silicon. Additionally, a good bond was formed between the silicon-rich SiC and silicon layer, resulting in a significant bond strength improvement from 11 to >30 MPa. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Multifunctional Coatings for New Applications)
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15 pages, 6203 KiB  
Article
Enhanced Mechanical and Hydrophobic Antireflective Nanocoatings Fabricated on Polycarbonate Substrates by Combined Treatment of Water and HMDS Vapor
by Yao Yan, Jia Liu, Bing Zhang, Ruohan Xia, Yuqi Zhang and Zisheng Guan
Materials 2023, 16(10), 3850; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16103850 - 19 May 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1330
Abstract
Polycarbonate (PC) with high transmittance, stable mechanical performance and environmental resistance is crucial for practical applications. In this work, we report a method for the preparation of a robust antireflective (AR) coating by a simple dip-coating process of a mixed ethanol suspension consisting [...] Read more.
Polycarbonate (PC) with high transmittance, stable mechanical performance and environmental resistance is crucial for practical applications. In this work, we report a method for the preparation of a robust antireflective (AR) coating by a simple dip-coating process of a mixed ethanol suspension consisting of tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) base-catalyzed silica nanoparticles (SNs) and acid-catalyzed silica sol (ACSS). ACSS greatly improved the adhesion and durability of the coating, and the AR coating exhibited high transmittance and mechanical stability. Water and hexamethyldisilazane (HMDS) vapor treatment were further employed to improve the hydrophobicity of the AR coating. The as-prepared coating exhibited excellent antireflective properties, with an average transmittance of 96.06% in the wavelength range of 400 to 1000 nm, which is 7.55% higher than the bare PC substrate. After sand and water droplet impact tests, the AR coating still maintained enhanced transmittance and hydrophobicity. Our method shows a potential application for the preparation of hydrophobic AR coatings on a PC substrate. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Multifunctional Coatings for New Applications)
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12 pages, 4731 KiB  
Article
HD-SiO2/SiO2 Sol@PDMS Superhydrophobic Coating with Good Durability and Anti-Corrosion for Protection of Al Sheets
by Ruohan Xia, Bing Zhang, Kousuo Dong, Yao Yan and Zisheng Guan
Materials 2023, 16(9), 3532; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16093532 - 05 May 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1593
Abstract
Superhydrophobic coatings with excellent water-repellent properties imply a wide range of application areas. However, improvements are needed in terms of stability and complex processing procedures. In the present study, a superhydrophobic coating on Al sheets was prepared by mixing hexadecyltrimethoxysilane (HDTMS)-modified SiO2 [...] Read more.
Superhydrophobic coatings with excellent water-repellent properties imply a wide range of application areas. However, improvements are needed in terms of stability and complex processing procedures. In the present study, a superhydrophobic coating on Al sheets was prepared by mixing hexadecyltrimethoxysilane (HDTMS)-modified SiO2 nanoparticles and acid-catalyzed silica sols (HD-SiO2/SiO2 Sol) with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) binder. The HD-SiO2 nanoparticles and acid-catalyzed silica sol (SiO2 sol) form a binary graded micro-nanostructure, providing excellent superhydrophobicity (Water Contact Angle = 158.5°, Sliding angle = 0°). Superhydrophobic coatings with excellent water-repellent properties have potential for corrosion prevention. However the commonly used organic resins have poor chemical and mechanical properties. In the present study, the results of outdoor exposure for 30 days, immersion in acid and alkaline solutions for 24 h, grit abrasion, and water impact experiments, respectively, showed that the prepared superhydrophobic coating has good wear resistance. The integrated superhydrophobic coating on the Al sheets exhibited good corrosion inhibition with an efficiency (η) of 98.9%, which is much higher than that of the uncoated sheets. The present study provides a promising approach for producing stable superhydrophobic coatings at a low cost, with the potential to supplant conventional organic resin anti-corrosion coatings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Multifunctional Coatings for New Applications)
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14 pages, 5953 KiB  
Article
Highly Transparent and Zirconia-Enhanced Sol-Gel Hybrid Coating on Polycarbonate Substrates for Self-Cleaning Applications
by Bing Zhang, Ruohan Xia, Yao Yan, Jia Liu and Zisheng Guan
Materials 2023, 16(8), 3138; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16083138 - 16 Apr 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1261
Abstract
To improve the efficacy of polymer-based substrate hybrid coatings, it is essential to simultaneously optimize mechanical strength and preserve the optical properties. In this study, a mixture of zirconium oxide (ZrO2) sol and methyltriethoxysilane modified silica (SiO2) sol-gel was [...] Read more.
To improve the efficacy of polymer-based substrate hybrid coatings, it is essential to simultaneously optimize mechanical strength and preserve the optical properties. In this study, a mixture of zirconium oxide (ZrO2) sol and methyltriethoxysilane modified silica (SiO2) sol-gel was dip-coated onto polycarbonate (PC) substrates to form zirconia-enhanced SiO2 hybrid coatings. Additionally, a solution containing 1H, 1H, 2H, and 2H-perfluorooctyl trichlorosilane (PFTS) was employed for surface modification. The results show that the ZrO2-SiO2 hybrid coating enhanced the mechanical strength and transmittance. The average transmittance of the coated PC reached up to 93.9% (400–800 nm), while the peak transmittance reached up to 95.1% at 700 nm. SEM images and AFM morphologies demonstrate that the ZrO2 and SiO2 nanoparticles were evenly distributed, and a flat coating was observed on the PC substrate. The PFTS-modified ZrO2-SiO2 hybrid coating also exhibited good hydrophobicity (WCA, 113°). As an antireflective coating on PC, with self-cleaning capability, the proposed coating has application prospects in optical lenses and automotive windows. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Multifunctional Coatings for New Applications)
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