Surface Engineering and Micro Additive Manufacturing

Dear Colleagues,

Surface engineering plays a critical role in enhancing the functional properties and performance of materials across a wide array of applications, ranging from tribology and biomedical devices to microelectronics and photovoltaics. Similarly, advances in micro additive manufacturing technologies offer unparalleled precision in creating complex structures at micro- and nano-scales. The integration of these two fields holds great potential for developing next-generation functional surfaces and small-scale components with enhanced properties such as wear resistance, corrosion resistance, and tailored optical or thermal behaviour.

This call invites original research papers on the latest innovations, developments, and applications in surface engineering and micro additive manufacturing. Emphasis will be placed on both experimental and computational work that advances the understanding of surface modification processes, additive techniques, and the synergies between these areas.

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Surface Functionalisation and Modification Techniques

• Surface texturing, polishing, and patterning;
• Coatings: PVD, CVD, thermal and cold spray, ion implantation, and cladding;
• Surface heat treatments and chemical etching;
• Advanced surface technologies for thermal protection, corrosion resistance, and decorative applications.

2. Micro Additive Manufacturing Technologies

• Two-photon polymerisation, vat photopolymerisation (VPP), and material extrusion (MEX);
• Powder bed fusion (PBF) and micro-directed energy deposition (DED);
• Aerosol printing, direct ink writing (DIW), and material jetting;
• Micro-scale laminated object manufacturing (LOM) and electron beam techniques.

3. Computational Modelling and Simulation

• Process modelling and simulation for surface modification and micro additive manufacturing;
• Multiphysics simulations, computational fluid dynamics, and thermal–mechanical modelling;
• Optimization and prediction of surface properties and process outcomes.

4. Applications of Surface Engineering and Micro Additive Manufacturing

• Tribological surfaces and coatings for wear-resistant applications;
• Surfaces for microfluidic devices, sensors, actuators, and biomedical implants;
• Functional coatings for photovoltaic devices, optics, and decorative surfaces;
• Soft electronics, soft actuators, and thermal protection systems;
• Embedded sensors for soft robotics, structural health monitoring, and clothing.

Dr. Joško Valentinčič
Dr. Avik Samanta
Dr. Soham Mujumdar
Topic Editors