Advanced Surface Technology and Coating Materials

Dear Colleagues,

Advanced surface technologies and functional coatings are pivotal to enhancing the performance, durability, and sustainability of modern engineering systems across aerospace, energy, biomedical, and industrial sectors. These systems encompass atomically engineered thin films, nanoscale multilayers, and macro-structured composites designed to withstand complex mechanical, thermal, chemical, electrical, and biological stimuli. Their rapid evolution demands rigorous analysis of synthesis routes—including atomic/molecular layer deposition (ALD/MLD), plasma-enhanced PVD/CVD, sol–gel processing, electrochemical growth, and additive manufacturing—alongside validation of long-term functionality under extreme operational conditions such as space exposure, high-temperature corrosion, and tribological stress.

Advanced coatings must fulfill dual critical requirements: structural functions (high adhesion strength, fracture toughness, wear/erosion resistance, and thermal stability under quasi-static, dynamic, or impact loads) and non-structural functions (smart responsiveness, including self-healing, environmental sustainability, biocompatibility, and barriers against atomic oxygen, UV radiation, or corrosive media). A thorough understanding of how nano/micro-scale processes govern macroscopic properties—particularly degradation mechanisms in extreme environments—is essential for designing next-generation systems.

The aim of this Special Issue, titled “Advanced Surface Technology and Coating Materials”, is to bridge innovative fabrication with real-world performance through multiscale process–structure–property–performance studies. We seek contributions that elucidate the following: (1) linkages between synthesis techniques (e.g., green manufacturing with bio-derived precursors) and microstructural defects; (2) quantitative evaluation of service behavior in simulated extreme environments—both in space (atomic oxygen erosion, thermal cycling from −180 °C to +150 °C, radiation damage, vacuum outgassing) and terrestrial (high-temperature oxidation > 1000 °C, erosion–corrosion synergy, biofluid aging); and (3) predictive modeling integrating in situ characterization and accelerated life testing to forecast coating reliability in critical applications.

Prof. Dr. Qiang Wei
Guest Editor

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