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Surfaces
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Surface Science: Polymer Thin Films, Coatings and Adhesives
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Surface Science: Polymer Thin Films, Coatings and Adhesives

A special issue of Surfaces (ISSN 2571-9637).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 August 2025 | Viewed by 5838

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Maurice Brogly

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Laboratoire de Photochimie et d’Ingénierie Macromoléculaires, Université de Haute Alsace, 3b Rue Alfred Werner, 68093 Mulhouse, France
Interests: polymer surfaces and interfaces; adhesion science; advanced surface spectroscopies; composite materials; biopolymers

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Adhesives, paints, coatings, composites, biomaterials, sensors, and nano/micro technologies are just a few of the many applications where the characteristics of polymer surfaces and interfaces are crucial. In most cases, the molecular structures of polymers control their surface and interfacial properties, but many methods allow polymer surface modification to tune their properties at interfaces. The nature, characteristics, and way to modify and characterise a polymer surface, the molecular basis of adhesion and friction, and the structure of interfaces in polymer blends between polymers and non-polymers, as well as the characteristics of polymers at solid and liquid interfaces, are among the subjects addressed. In this Special Issue, we wish to cover the most recent advances in all the strategies and techniques that allow the modification, control, tuning, and characterisation of polymer surfaces and their properties at interfaces by hosting original research articles and short critical reviews.

Prof. Dr. Maurice Brogly
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. 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

  • polymers and biopolymers surfaces
  • polymers and biopolymers at interfaces
  • surface treatments and modifications
  • adhesion and adhesives
  • coatings and thin films
  • composites
  • polymer blends
  • friction and wear
  • lubrication
  • surface and interface analysis
  • surface spectroscopies and microscopies

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Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

Jump to: Review

14 pages, 3557 KiB  
Article
Marangoni Flow-Driven Self-Assembly of Biomimetic Jellyfish-like Hydrogels for Spatially Controlled Enzyme Catalysis
by Aoxiang Zhang, Huiying Zhou, Yanhui Guo and Yu Fu
Surfaces 2025, 8(2), 28; https://doi.org/10.3390/surfaces8020028 - 22 Apr 2025
Viewed by 191
Abstract
Enzymatic catalysis has gained significant attention in green chemistry due to its high specificity and efficiency under mild conditions. However, challenges related to enzyme immobilization and spatial control often limit its practical applications. In this work, we report a Marangoni flow-driven strategy to [...] Read more.
Enzymatic catalysis has gained significant attention in green chemistry due to its high specificity and efficiency under mild conditions. However, challenges related to enzyme immobilization and spatial control often limit its practical applications. In this work, we report a Marangoni flow-driven strategy to fabricate a biomimetic jellyfish-like hydrogel with tunable tentacle-like structures. The formation process occurs entirely in an aqueous system without organic solvents or post-treatment, enabling the construction of ultra-thin, free-standing hydrogels through spontaneous interfacial self-assembly. The resulting structure exhibits high surface-area geometry and excellent biocompatibility, providing a versatile platform for localized enzyme loading. This method offers a simple and scalable route for engineering soft materials with complex morphologies, and expands the design space for bioinspired hydrogel systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Surface Science: Polymer Thin Films, Coatings and Adhesives)
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20 pages, 23524 KiB  
Article
Tagua Powder as a Bio-Based Filler for Waterborne Acrylic Coatings: Enhancing Performances and Sustainability
by Andrea Cristoforetti, Luca Donati and Stefano Rossi
Surfaces 2025, 8(1), 20; https://doi.org/10.3390/surfaces8010020 - 16 Mar 2025
Viewed by 465
Abstract
The increasing demand for sustainable materials in the coatings industry is driving the replacement of synthetic components with bio-based alternatives. In this study, Tagua powder, derived from the seeds of Phytelephas macrocarpa, was incorporated as a filler in a waterborne acrylic-based coating [...] Read more.
The increasing demand for sustainable materials in the coatings industry is driving the replacement of synthetic components with bio-based alternatives. In this study, Tagua powder, derived from the seeds of Phytelephas macrocarpa, was incorporated as a filler in a waterborne acrylic-based coating to evaluate its effects on abrasion and protective properties. Two different particle size ranges (40–63 µm and ≤40 µm) and concentrations (1 wt% and 3 wt%) were tested. Morphological analyses confirmed a homogeneous dispersion of the filler within the coating matrix, with larger particles inducing surface roughness. The results demonstrated that the addition of Tagua powder significantly improved abrasion resistance, with the coating containing 3 wt% of larger particles (40–63 µm), reducing mass loss by 24.5% after 1000 Taber abrasion cycles compared to the reference coating. However, due to its lignocellulosic nature, the filler increased water uptake, leading to a decrease in barrier properties. Coatings with 3 wt% filler exhibited a reduction in electrochemical impedance modulus by approximately one order of magnitude after 670 h of immersion in a 3.5 wt% NaCl solution, indicating lower corrosion protection. Despite this, the performance in filiform corrosion resistance remained comparable to the reference, suggesting that Tagua powder does not critically affect adhesion properties. These findings highlight the potential of Tagua powder as a functional bio-based filler, offering enhanced mechanical durability while requiring a strategic coating design, such as a multilayer system, to mitigate moisture sensitivity. This study provides valuable insights into the development of environmentally friendly coatings with improved wear resistance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Surface Science: Polymer Thin Films, Coatings and Adhesives)
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20 pages, 3435 KiB  
Article
Biopolymer-Based Microencapsulation of Bioactive Compounds: Evaluation of the Impact of Encapsulated Compound Characteristics on Process Efficiency
by Sarah Hamid, Hamza Moussa, Mohamed Malik Mahdjoub, Ismail Berrabah, Nadjet Djihad, Amel Attia, Naima Fadloun Oukil, Mustapha Mounir Bouhenna, Hichem Tahraoui and Abdeltif Amrane
Surfaces 2025, 8(1), 15; https://doi.org/10.3390/surfaces8010015 - 27 Feb 2025
Viewed by 704
Abstract
Complex coacervation using proteins and polysaccharides enables efficient microencapsulation with high thermal stability, facilitating continuous core component release and yielding coacervates with superior properties for diverse applications. This study investigates the use of casein and pectin for microencapsulating Ocimum basilicum L. essential oil [...] Read more.
Complex coacervation using proteins and polysaccharides enables efficient microencapsulation with high thermal stability, facilitating continuous core component release and yielding coacervates with superior properties for diverse applications. This study investigates the use of casein and pectin for microencapsulating Ocimum basilicum L. essential oil (EO) and phenolic extract (PE). Microencapsulation yield and efficiency were 85.3% and 89.8% for EO microcapsules (EO-MC) and 53.1% and 70.0% for PE microcapsules (PE-MC). Optical microscopy revealed spherical microcapsules; EO-MC had smooth surfaces, while PE-MC had porous surfaces. Thermal analysis showed stability, with both types exhibiting two stages of weight loss. XRD analysis indicated increased crystallinity in EO-MC and high crystallinity in PE-MC due to phenolic interactions. FTIR spectroscopy confirmed molecular interactions, including hydrogen bonding between phenolic compounds and the biopolymer matrix and amide bonds between the carboxyl groups of pectin and the amino groups of casein, ensuring the successful encapsulation of the bioactive compounds. These findings highlight the potential of casein and pectin for microencapsulating extracts, particularly EOs, for food industry applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Surface Science: Polymer Thin Films, Coatings and Adhesives)
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19 pages, 5303 KiB  
Article
Effects of Temperature on the Fracture Response of EMC-Si Interface Found in Multilayer Semiconductor Components
by João Valdoleiros, Alireza Akhavan-Safar, Payam Maleki, Pedro F. C. Videira, Ricardo J. C. Carbas, Eduardo A. S. Marques, Bala Karunamurthy and Lucas F. M. da Silva
Surfaces 2025, 8(1), 2; https://doi.org/10.3390/surfaces8010002 - 3 Jan 2025
Viewed by 1111
Abstract
Despite the fact that temperature is an important condition that affects the behavior of material interfaces used in integrated circuits (ICs), such as the case for epoxy molding compound (EMC) and silicon (Si), this has not been thoroughly studied. To fill this gap, [...] Read more.
Despite the fact that temperature is an important condition that affects the behavior of material interfaces used in integrated circuits (ICs), such as the case for epoxy molding compound (EMC) and silicon (Si), this has not been thoroughly studied. To fill this gap, the present work aims to examine the fracture of the bi-material interfaces in multilayered semiconductor components and, more specifically, the EMC-Si, through the experimental quasi-static mode I fracture experiments conducted at different temperatures. The experiments were followed by numerical simulations using cohesive zone modeling (CZM) implemented using Abaqus. Simulation results were aimed at matching experimental data using an inverse CZM approach to determine cohesive properties such as initial stiffness and maximum traction. Experimental results revealed temperature-dependent variations in fracture behavior, with low temperature (−20 °C) showing a decrease in stiffness with values around 650 MPa/mm and a maximum tensile strength of 48 MPa; high temperature (100 °C) revealed a maximum traction and stiffness of 120 MPa and 1200 MPa/mm, respectively. A possible explanation for the results obtained at high temperatures is that temperature changes cause a significant redistribution of residual stresses in the sample and at the interfaces, reducing the stiffness at lower temperatures. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Surface Science: Polymer Thin Films, Coatings and Adhesives)
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17 pages, 2713 KiB  
Article
Improving Cotton Fabric Dyeability by Oxygen Plasma Surface Activation
by Víctor M. Serrano-Martínez, Carlos Ruzafa-Silvestre, Carlota Hernández-Fernández, Elena Bañón-Gil, Francisca Arán-Ais and Elena Orgilés-Calpena
Surfaces 2024, 7(4), 1079-1095; https://doi.org/10.3390/surfaces7040071 - 20 Dec 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1360
Abstract
This paper focuses on investigating the use of low-pressure oxygen plasma as a surface treatment aimed at enhancing the wettability and dyeability of cotton fabrics for use in textiles and footwear materials. Plasma activation modified the cotton fabric surfaces, increasing their affinity for [...] Read more.
This paper focuses on investigating the use of low-pressure oxygen plasma as a surface treatment aimed at enhancing the wettability and dyeability of cotton fabrics for use in textiles and footwear materials. Plasma activation modified the cotton fabric surfaces, increasing their affinity for polar liquids. The research thoroughly characterised the treated fabrics through a combination of analytical methods and physical testing. Plasma treatment was performed using a 13.56 MHz RF generator at 90 W power, with an oxygen flow rate of 500 sccm and a pressure of 0.30 mbar, for treatment durations of 30, 60, and 120 s. Changes in surface chemistry were analysed with XPS, while SEM was used to observe morphological changes. Static water contact angle measurements confirmed a reduction from 128.5° in untreated cotton to 25.6° in samples treated for 30 s, indicating a significant increase in hydrophilicity. Water absorption tests showed a maximum absorption capacity of 119.6% after 60 min for plasma-treated samples, compared to 65.7% for untreated cotton. Contact angle measurements verified that surface hydrophilicity increased following the treatment. Furthermore, physical tests, such as rub fastness, colourimetry, and water absorption, were carried out to evaluate improvements in wettability, dyeability, and overall performance. The results showed notable enhancements in the wetting properties of cotton textiles, enabling better absorption of water and dyes, along with improved fixation. The comprehensive characterisations provided insights into the mechanisms behind these improvements. This research offers a sustainable approach for the textile industry, as plasma technology is a dry process that enhances dyeing efficiency while maintaining fabric performance and lowering environmental impact. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Surface Science: Polymer Thin Films, Coatings and Adhesives)
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Review

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17 pages, 5916 KiB  
Review
On the Formation and Characterization of Nanoplastics During Surface Wear Processes
by Oguzhan Der, Hesam Khaksar and Enrico Gnecco
Surfaces 2025, 8(2), 27; https://doi.org/10.3390/surfaces8020027 - 18 Apr 2025
Viewed by 142
Abstract
The invasive presence of nanoplastics in various ecosystems makes them a significant environmental problem nowadays. One of the main production mechanisms of nanoplastics is mechanical wear. The combination of friction, abrasion, and shear forces can indeed lead to the progressive fragmentation of polymeric [...] Read more.
The invasive presence of nanoplastics in various ecosystems makes them a significant environmental problem nowadays. One of the main production mechanisms of nanoplastics is mechanical wear. The combination of friction, abrasion, and shear forces can indeed lead to the progressive fragmentation of polymeric materials. The high surface area–volume ratio of the resulting nanoparticles not only alters the physicochemical properties of the polymers but also leads to increased interaction with biological systems, which raises questions about the persistence of nanoplastics in the environment and their potential toxicity. Despite the growing body of research on microplastics, studies specifically addressing the formation, characterization, and impact of wear-induced nanoplastics remain limited. This article describes current research on the formation mechanisms of nanoplastics generated by mechanical wear, highlighting the tribological processes underlying their release. Advanced characterization techniques used to identify the morphology and composition of these particles are also mentioned. The techniques include atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and, to some extent, Raman spectroscopy. In the case of AFM, an example of application to the extrusion of nanoplastics from polystyrene surfaces subjected to repeated nanoscratching is also provided. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Surface Science: Polymer Thin Films, Coatings and Adhesives)
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28 pages, 3954 KiB  
Review
Industrial Piping System: Design and Corrosion Protection
by David Coverdale Rangel Velasco, Victor Paes Dias Gonçalves, Michel Picanço Oliveira, Noan Tonini Simonassi, Felipe Perissé Duarte Lopes and Carlos Maurício Fontes Vieira
Surfaces 2025, 8(1), 18; https://doi.org/10.3390/surfaces8010018 - 9 Mar 2025
Viewed by 1046
Abstract
Piping system failures in process industries pose significant financial, environmental, and social risks, with inadequate design and corrosion being major contributors. This review synthesizes the academic and normative literature on pipeline design and anticorrosive protection strategies, providing a comprehensive examination of pipeline layout [...] Read more.
Piping system failures in process industries pose significant financial, environmental, and social risks, with inadequate design and corrosion being major contributors. This review synthesizes the academic and normative literature on pipeline design and anticorrosive protection strategies, providing a comprehensive examination of pipeline layout determination, material selection, and methods for mitigating corrosion. A particular focus is placed on organic coating as a pivotal strategy for corrosion reduction, with in-depth insights into their selection and evaluation criteria. By highlighting best practices and advancements in design and protection strategies, this review aims to enhance the overall integrity and safety of piping systems. The findings are intended to support industry professionals in implementing more effective measures to prevent pipeline failures and improve system reliability, while also presenting recent advances and current demands. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Surface Science: Polymer Thin Films, Coatings and Adhesives)
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