Surface Characteristics, Interface Behavior and Performance Optimization of Metallic Materials
A special issue of Surfaces (ISSN 2571-9637).
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2026 | Viewed by 313
Editor
Interests: surface engineering; interface behavior; metallic materials; powder metallurgy; surface modification; microstructure evolution; performance optimization
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
The surface characteristics and interface behavior of metallic materials play a decisive role in determining their performance across a wide range of engineering applications, including structural components, energy systems and functional coatings. Surface-related phenomena such as oxidation, corrosion, wear, adhesion and diffusion significantly influence the durability, reliability and efficiency of metallic systems. In particular, the interaction between surfaces and their surrounding environments governs key processes that affect material degradation and performance under operating conditions.
Recent advances in surface engineering, characterization techniques and computational modeling have enabled a deeper understanding of interfacial mechanisms in metallic materials. Techniques such as surface modification, coating technologies, alloying and nanostructuring are increasingly being applied to tailor surface properties, enhance resistance to environmental damage and optimize functional performance. At the same time, the development of advanced analytical methods allows for precise investigation of surface morphology, chemistry and interface dynamics at micro- and nanoscale levels.
This Special Issue aims to highlight recent progress in the study of surface characteristics, interface behavior and performance optimization of metallic materials. It will cover both fundamental and applied aspects, including experimental and theoretical approaches, innovative surface treatments and real-world applications. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, corrosion and oxidation mechanisms, tribological behavior, surface modification techniques, coatings and thin films, interface phenomena and performance enhancement strategies.
The aim of this Special Issue of Surfaces is to provide an open-access platform for researchers from academia and industry to share their latest findings and insights, and to foster interdisciplinary collaboration in the field of surface science of metallic materials.
Special emphasis will be on, but not limited to, the following topics:
- Surface Engineering and Modification of Metallic Materials. This theme focuses on advanced surface engineering approaches, including coatings, alloying, laser treatment and nanostructuring, aimed at improving the mechanical, chemical and functional performance of metallic materials. It explores how surface design strategies can enhance corrosion resistance, wear resistance and overall durability in demanding environments.
- Corrosion, Oxidation and Degradation Mechanisms. This theme addresses the fundamental and applied aspects of corrosion and oxidation processes in metals and alloys. It emphasizes the role of surface chemistry, environmental interactions and protective layers in controlling degradation, as well as strategies for corrosion mitigation and lifetime extension of metallic systems.
- Interface Behavior and Interfacial Phenomena in Metallic Systems. This theme investigates the physical and chemical processes occurring at interfaces, including adhesion, diffusion, phase transformations and interfacial reactions. It aims to deepen the understanding of how interface characteristics influence the performance and reliability of metallic materials in complex service conditions.
- Advanced Surface Characterization and Analytical Techniques. This theme explores the use of modern surface-sensitive techniques (e.g., SEM, TEM, AFM, XPS, EBSD, synchrotron-based methods) for the analysis of surface morphology, composition and microstructure. It highlights in situ and operando approaches for studying dynamic surface and interface processes.
- Tribology and Surface-Driven Performance Optimization. This theme focuses on friction, wear and lubrication phenomena in metallic materials. It examines how surface properties, coatings and microstructural features influence tribological performance and contribute to the optimization of components used in mechanical and industrial applications.
- Functional Coatings and Thin Films on Metallic Substrates. This theme covers the development and application of protective and functional coatings, including thin films, multilayer systems and nanostructured surfaces. It investigates their role in enhancing mechanical strength, thermal stability, corrosion resistance and other functional properties.
- Sustainable and Advanced Metallic Materials Design. This theme highlights environmentally friendly approaches to surface engineering, including low-toxicity coatings, the recycling of metallic materials and energy-efficient processing technologies. It explores how surface and interface optimization contribute to sustainability and resource efficiency in materials science.
Dr. Yernat Kozhakhmetov
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 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-anonymized peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Surfaces is an international peer-reviewed open access quarterly 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 1600 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
- surface engineering
- interface behavior
- metallic materials
- powder metallurgy
- surface modification
- microstructure evolution
- performance optimization
- surface characterization
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