Coatings

5303 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Directional Trans-Planar and Different In-Plane Water Transfer Properties of Composite Structured Bifacial Fabrics Modified by a Facile Three-Step Plasma Treatment

by Fengxin Sun, Zhiqiang Chen, Licheng Zhu, Zhaoqun Du, Xungai Wang and Maryam Naebe

Coatings 2017, 7(8), 132; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings7080132 - 22 Aug 2017

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 6766

Abstract

Fabrics with moisture management properties are strongly expected to benefit various potential applications in daily life, industry, medical treatment and protection. Here, a bifacial fabric with dual trans-planar and in-plane liquid moisture management properties was reported. This novel fabric was fabricated to have [...] Read more.

Fabrics with moisture management properties are strongly expected to benefit various potential applications in daily life, industry, medical treatment and protection. Here, a bifacial fabric with dual trans-planar and in-plane liquid moisture management properties was reported. This novel fabric was fabricated to have a knitted structure on one face and a woven structure on the other, contributing to the different in-plane water transfer properties of the fabric. A facile three-step plasma treatment was used to enrich the bifacial fabric with asymmetric wettability and liquid absorbency. The plasma treated bifacial fabric allowed forced water to transfer from the hydrophobic face to hydrophilic face, while it prevented water to spread through the hydrophobic face when water drops were placed on the hydrophilic face. This confirmed one-way water transport capacity of the bifacial fabric. Through the three-step plasma treatment, the fabric surface was coated with a Si-containing thin film. This film contributed to the hydrophobic property, while the physical properties of the fabrics such as stiffness and color were not affected. This novel fabric can potentially be used to design and manufacture functional and smart textiles with tunable moisture transport properties. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fabric Coatings)

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3638 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Study of CO₂ Laser Treatment on Colour Properties of Cotton-Based Fabrics

by On-na Hung and Chi-wai Kan

Coatings 2017, 7(8), 131; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings7080131 - 20 Aug 2017

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4406

Abstract

In this study, laser was applied to two types of cotton-based woven fabrics in order to study the effect of CO₂ laser technology on colour and fabric strength properties. The woven fabrics had different fibre compositions, i.e., one was 100% cotton while [...] Read more.

In this study, laser was applied to two types of cotton-based woven fabrics in order to study the effect of CO₂ laser technology on colour and fabric strength properties. The woven fabrics had different fibre compositions, i.e., one was 100% cotton while the other had 60% cotton blended with 40% polyester. They were treated with different combinations of laser processing parameters, i.e., resolution (52, 60, and 68 dpi) and pixel time (110, 120, 130, and 140 μs). There were two approaches adopted: (1) laser treated and then dyed (LD); and (2) first dyed and then laser treated (DL), in order to study the effects of the two different sequences on the resultant colour. Colour properties include reflectance value, colour yield, CIE L*a*b* values and levelness measured by spectrophotometer; pH value and tensile strength were also measured. It was discovered that laser treatment had no influence on chromaticity of cotton fabrics. Moreover, fabrics treated with laser had a lighter shade than the control samples. This confirmed that both approaches, i.e., laser treatment conducted before and after dyeing, can provide a colour fading effect. The tensile strength of fabrics was affected differently in relation to the dyeing and laser process. According to results obtained from the pH measurement, it is confirmed that laser treatment can provide a colour fading effect without affecting the pH value, and the fabrics can be used instantly right after the laser treatment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Laser Surface Treatment)

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3881 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Grit-Blasting and Hydrofluoric Acid Etching Treatment on Surface Characteristics and Biofilm Formation on Zirconia

by Aifang Han, James K.-H. Tsoi, Jukka P. Matinlinna and Zhuofan Chen

Coatings 2017, 7(8), 130; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings7080130 - 20 Aug 2017

Cited by 25 | Viewed by 6658

Abstract

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of hydrofluoric acid etching treatment on the surface characteristics of zirconia and Streptococcus sanguinis (S. sanguinis) and Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) biofilm formation on zirconia. Zirconia specimens were prepared [...] Read more.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of hydrofluoric acid etching treatment on the surface characteristics of zirconia and Streptococcus sanguinis (S. sanguinis) and Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) biofilm formation on zirconia. Zirconia specimens were prepared with different treatments, including being polished with 1000-grit SiC abrasive paper as the control group (Group C), grit-blasted with 110 μm silica-coated alumina particles (Group GB), etched with 40% hydrofluoric acid for 25 min at 100 °C (Group HF), and grit-blasted with 110 μm silica-coated alumina particles and then etched with 40% hydrofluoric acid for 25 min at 100 °C (Group GBHF). The highest surface roughness values and hydrophilicity were shown in Group HF and Group GBHF. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that hydrofluoric acid can create a crater-like appearance on the zirconia surface. An energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis demonstrated similar element concentration (wt %) in Group C, Group HF, and Group GBHF, but not for Group GB with higher concentrations of Al and Si element. Colony forming unit (CFU) counts showed that a similar amount of S. sanguinis biofilm and significantly lower P. gingivalis biofilm were formed on zirconia surfaces in Group HF and Group GBHF compared to that in Group C after three days of bacteria culture (p < 0.05). These results indicate that hydrofluoric acid etching on zirconia may not increase S. sanguinis and P. gingivalis mature biofilm formation on zirconia. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dental Implant Surface: Science and Technology)

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11842 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Use of Triboemission Imaging and Charge Measurements to Study DLC Coating Failure

by Alessandra Ciniero, Julian Le Rouzic and Tom Reddyhoff

Coatings 2017, 7(8), 129; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings7080129 - 20 Aug 2017

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4955

Abstract

We present a study on the simultaneous evolution of the electron emission and surface charge accumulation that occurs during scratching tests in order to monitor coating failure. Steel discs coated with a diamond-like-carbon (DLC) film were scratched in both vacuum (~10⁻⁵ Torr) [...] Read more.

We present a study on the simultaneous evolution of the electron emission and surface charge accumulation that occurs during scratching tests in order to monitor coating failure. Steel discs coated with a diamond-like-carbon (DLC) film were scratched in both vacuum (~10⁻⁵ Torr) and atmospheric conditions, with electron emission and surface charge being measured by a system of microchannel plates and an electrometer, respectively. The results highlight a positive correlation between emission intensity values, surface charge measurements and surface damage topography, suggesting the effective use of these techniques to monitor coating wear in real time. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Manufacturing and Surface Engineering)

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4913 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Uncertainty of the X-ray Diffraction (XRD) sin² ψ Technique in Measuring Residual Stresses of Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) Hard Coatings

by Quanshun Luo and Shicai Yang

Coatings 2017, 7(8), 128; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings7080128 - 20 Aug 2017

Cited by 24 | Viewed by 18131

Abstract

Residual stresses of physical vapor deposition (PVD) hard coatings can be measured using X-ray diffraction (XRD) methods under either conventional d-sin² ψ mode or glancing incident (GIXRD) mode, in which substantial uncertainties exist depending on the applied diffraction parameters. This paper [...] Read more.

Residual stresses of physical vapor deposition (PVD) hard coatings can be measured using X-ray diffraction (XRD) methods under either conventional d-sin² ψ mode or glancing incident (GIXRD) mode, in which substantial uncertainties exist depending on the applied diffraction parameters. This paper reports systematic research on the effect of the two analytical modes, as well as the anisotropic elastic modulus, on the measured residual stress values. A magnetron sputtered TiN grown on hardened tool steel was employed as the sample coating, to measure its residual stress using various diffraction peaks from {111} to {422} acquired at a range of incident glancing angles from 2° to 35°. The results were interpreted in terms of the effective X-ray penetration depth, which has been found to be determined predominantly by the incident glancing angle. In the d-sin² ψ mode, the results present an approximate residual stress over a depth of effective X-ray penetration, and it is recommended to use a diffraction peak of high-index lattice plane from {311} to {422}. The GIXRD mode helps determine a depth profile of residual stress, since the measured residual stress depends strongly on the X-ray penetration. In addition, the anisotropy of elastic modulus shows limited influence on the calculated residual stress value. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mechanical Behavior of Coatings and Engineered Surfaces)

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4765 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Investigation of Coated Cutting Tool Performance during Machining of Super Duplex Stainless Steels through 3D Wear Evaluations

by Yassmin Seid Ahmed, Jose Mario Paiva, Danielle Covelli and Stephen Clarence Veldhuis

Coatings 2017, 7(8), 127; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings7080127 - 17 Aug 2017

Cited by 37 | Viewed by 7555

Abstract

In this study, the wear mechanisms and tribological performance of uncoated and coated carbide tools were investigated during the turning of super duplex stainless steel (SDSS)—Grade UNS S32750, known commercially as SAF 2507. The tool wear was evaluated throughout the cutting tests and [...] Read more.

In this study, the wear mechanisms and tribological performance of uncoated and coated carbide tools were investigated during the turning of super duplex stainless steel (SDSS)—Grade UNS S32750, known commercially as SAF 2507. The tool wear was evaluated throughout the cutting tests and the wear mechanisms were investigated using an Alicona Infinite Focus microscope and a scanning electron microscope (SEM) equipped with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). Tribo-film formation on the worn rake surface of the tool was analyzed using X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS). In addition, tribological performance was evaluated by studying chip characteristics such as thickness, compression ratio, shear angle, and undersurface morphology. Finally, surface integrity of the machined surface was investigated using the Alicona microscope to measure surface roughness and SEM to reveal the surface distortions created during the cutting process, combined with cutting force analyses. The results obtained showed that the predominant wear mechanisms are adhesion and chipping for all tools investigated and that the AlTiN coating system exhibited better performance in all aspects when compared with CVD TiCN + Al₂O₃ coated cutting insert and uncoated carbide insert; in particular, built-up edge formation was significantly reduced. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Coatings for Cutting Tools)

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7588 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Characteristics of RF-Sputtered Thin Films of Calcium Phosphate on Titanium Dental Implants

by Kuo-Yung Hung, Hong-Chen Lai and Hui-Ping Feng

Coatings 2017, 7(8), 126; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings7080126 - 16 Aug 2017

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 5353

Abstract

Hydroxyapatite (HA) coatings on titanium have been investigated for many years, and have demonstrated advantageous biocompatibility in dental implants. Animal experiments have demonstrated that the biological response to plasma-sprayed HA-coated implants shows disadvantages in terms of adherence, thickness uniformity, and long-term osseointegration effects. [...] Read more.

Hydroxyapatite (HA) coatings on titanium have been investigated for many years, and have demonstrated advantageous biocompatibility in dental implants. Animal experiments have demonstrated that the biological response to plasma-sprayed HA-coated implants shows disadvantages in terms of adherence, thickness uniformity, and long-term osseointegration effects. Determining how to resolve the degradation problem of HA in the body by improving osseointegration and stability in alveolar bones has become an increasingly researched topic. The present study investigated the film characteristics and dissolution properties of calcium phosphate (CaP) coatings obtained by radio-frequency (RF) sputtering of a self-developed atmospheric plasma spray (APS) HA target. The experimental parameters varied, including RF power (60–250 W), sputtering time (15–120 min), and substrate roughness (0.4–4 μm). Analyses were conducted using synchrotron X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), white light interferometry, and scanning electron microscopy combined with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). EDS analysis showed that the Ca/P ratio increased as the discharge power was increased. The analysis results also showed that a lower surface roughness resulted in higher crystallinity, because a larger surface-free energy was attained during sputtering. In-plane texturing has been proven when HA films are sputtered onto substrates of varying roughness, within appropriate deposition parameters. FTIR analysis revealed the presence of the principal PO₄^3- bonds in the deposited calcium phosphate films. The CaP films induced calcium phosphate precipitation when immersed in simulated body fluid (SBF), suggesting that, based on in vitro bioactive behavior, the proposed combined surface modification can be used in dental implants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dental Implant Surface: Science and Technology)

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9545 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Process Parameter Settings and Their Effect on Residual Stresses in WC/W₂C Reinforced Iron-Based Arc Sprayed Coatings

by Wolfgang Tillmann, Leif Hagen and Weifeng Luo

Coatings 2017, 7(8), 125; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings7080125 - 15 Aug 2017

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 5384

Abstract

Residual stresses have been a major source of concern, as they are an inevitable consequence of manufacturing and fabrication processes. The magnitude of these stresses is often as high as, or at least, comparable to the yield strength of the material. In terms [...] Read more.

Residual stresses have been a major source of concern, as they are an inevitable consequence of manufacturing and fabrication processes. The magnitude of these stresses is often as high as, or at least, comparable to the yield strength of the material. In terms of arc sprayed coatings, the utilization of bore hole drilling methods presents some practical disadvantages as mechanical parameters (Poisson’s ratio, Young’s modulus) need to be identified in order to determine the residual stress distribution. Curvature techniques using Almen strips are cost- and time-effective methods that can be used for analytical quality assurance. Within the scope of this work, a quantitative study of the amount of residual stresses induced in a twin wire arc spraying (TWAS) process for a given combination of process parameters was conducted using the incremental bore hole drilling method, as well as the curvature method including Almen strips. Therefore, the effect of the primary gas pressure, substrate preheating temperature, and handling parameters, such as the spray angle and gun velocity, which influence the coating deposition as well as the heat input into the substrate, are examined. The experiments were carried out by using an iron-based cored wire with cast tungsten carbides as filling. The results of both methods are in an acceptable accordance with each other. Different stress fields were observed depending on the parameter settings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mechanical Behavior of Coatings and Engineered Surfaces)

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3730 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Spin Coating on Spherical Surface with Large Central Angles

by Huan Liu, Xudong Fang, Le Meng and Shanshan Wang

Coatings 2017, 7(8), 124; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings7080124 - 14 Aug 2017

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 6027

Abstract

Spin coating is one of the dominant processes for producing photoresistant thin films in integrated circuit manufacturing. The application of this process mainly focuses on flat surfaces. With the development of science and technology, the spin coating process is no longer restricted to [...] Read more.

Spin coating is one of the dominant processes for producing photoresistant thin films in integrated circuit manufacturing. The application of this process mainly focuses on flat surfaces. With the development of science and technology, the spin coating process is no longer restricted to flattened geometry. The demand for uniform thin films on curved surfaces urgently needs to be met, such as for the fabrication of anti-electromagnetic metal shielding grids on the window of fairings and grating on spherical lens. This is a challenging problem, and a fundamental mechanism is indispensable to provide guidance. However, few models have been reported about spinning a coating on curved geometry with a large central angle. To provide support for solving the problem of spin coating on a spherical surface with a large central angle, this paper presents a formulation for modeling the spin coating process on a spherical surface with a central angle close to 90 degrees and experiments that were completed to validate it. The film thickness evolution and uniformity of film thickness on a spherical surface are studied using this model and are compared with the existing literature to determine the potential advantages of the new model. Simulation results show that the uniformity of final film thickness is not ideal for uniform initial film thickness distribution. One dimensionless parameter is defined as the dominating factor to control film thickness and uniformity, which is related to the processing parameters. As demonstrated by the experimental results, this model can be adopted to predict film the thickness profile on spherical surfaces with large central angles. Full article

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3385 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Study on Surface Properties of Polyamide 66 Using Atmospheric Glow-Like Discharge Plasma Treatment

by Mingyang Peng, Lee Li, Jiaming Xiong, Kui Hua, Shufan Wang and Tao Shao

Coatings 2017, 7(8), 123; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings7080123 - 14 Aug 2017

Cited by 25 | Viewed by 5641

Abstract

Surface modification of fiber fabric sometimes needs a large volume of cold plasma to improve its efficiency. This experimental study is based on the treatment of polyamide 66 (PA66) fabrics using large contact-area glow-like plasma, which are produced in the atmospheric air without [...] Read more.

Surface modification of fiber fabric sometimes needs a large volume of cold plasma to improve its efficiency. This experimental study is based on the treatment of polyamide 66 (PA66) fabrics using large contact-area glow-like plasma, which are produced in the atmospheric air without any dielectric barriers. The atomic force microscopy (AFM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) are adopted, respectively, to detect the surface changes in physical microstructure and the variations in the type and quantity of chemical functional groups. The results show that the PA66 fabric surface will be etched remarkably by the glow-like plasma, and the surface roughness and the surface energy are augmented. On the surface of the processed PA66 fabrics, the oxygen-containing functional groups’ content rises together with the decrease on the total primary C–C and C–N bonds. After 30 seconds of sterilization by the glow-like plasmas, most of the bacterial colonies on the fabric vanish. The effectiveness of this kind of plasma treatment could last for three days in a sealed environment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fabric Coatings)

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9370 KiB

Open AccessReview

Development of Sustainable Cold Spray Coatings and 3D Additive Manufacturing Components for Repair/Manufacturing Applications: A Critical Review

by Sunil Pathak and Gobinda C. Saha

Coatings 2017, 7(8), 122; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings7080122 - 14 Aug 2017

Cited by 108 | Viewed by 17534

Abstract

This review article presents the findings of a comprehensive state-of-the-art literature review of the scientific and technological progress of the cold spray process in the field of repair/remanufacturing using the concept of additive manufacturing. A thorough study was conducted on the potential of [...] Read more.

This review article presents the findings of a comprehensive state-of-the-art literature review of the scientific and technological progress of the cold spray process in the field of repair/remanufacturing using the concept of additive manufacturing. A thorough study was conducted on the potential of this technology to form (a) both thin and thick coatings; (b) the ability to fabricate 3D freeform components in a single process, while benefiting from reduced residual stress level compared to conventional thermal spray coatings processes such as high velocity oxy-fuel (HVOF) or plasma spraying. A systematic overview of the process technology, particularly focusing on the suitability of ceramic-metallic (cermet) composite particles used as feedstock in the deposition was conducted; further elaboration was made pertinent to particle impact and bonding mechanisms during the deposition. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mechanical Properties of Nanostructured Coatings)

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5643 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Studies on Preparation and Characterization of Aluminum Nitride-Coated Carbon Fibers and Thermal Conductivity of Epoxy Matrix Composites

by Hyeon-Hye Kim, Youn-Sik Lee, Dong Chul Chung and Byung-Joo Kim

Coatings 2017, 7(8), 121; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings7080121 - 10 Aug 2017

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 6407

Abstract

In this work; the effects of an aluminum nitride (AlN) ceramic coating on the thermal conductivity of carbon fiber-reinforced composites were studied. AlN were synthesized by a wet-thermal treatment (WTT) method in the presence of copper catalysts. The WTT method was carried out [...] Read more.

In this work; the effects of an aluminum nitride (AlN) ceramic coating on the thermal conductivity of carbon fiber-reinforced composites were studied. AlN were synthesized by a wet-thermal treatment (WTT) method in the presence of copper catalysts. The WTT method was carried out in a horizontal tube furnace at above 1500 °C under an ammonia (NH₃) gas atmosphere balanced by a nitrogen using aluminum chloride as a precursor. Copper catalysts pre-doped enhance the interfacial bonding of the AlN with the carbon fiber surfaces. They also help to introduce AlN bonds by interrupting aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃) formation in combination with oxygen. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM); Transmission electron microscopy (TEM); and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were used to analyze the carbon fiber surfaces and structures at each step (copper-coating step and AlN formation step). In conclusion; we have demonstrated a synthesis route for preparing an AlN coating on the carbon fiber surfaces in the presence of a metallic catalyst. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Carbon-Related Coatings)

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5433 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development of YSZ Thermal Barrier Coatings Using Axial Suspension Plasma Spraying

by Dapeng Zhou, Olivier Guillon and Robert Vaßen

Coatings 2017, 7(8), 120; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings7080120 - 10 Aug 2017

Cited by 75 | Viewed by 11302

Abstract

The axial injection of the suspension in the atmospheric plasma spraying process (here called axial suspension plasma spraying) is an attractive and advanced thermal spraying technology especially for the deposition of thermal barrier coatings (TBCs). It enables the growth of columnar-like structures and, [...] Read more.

The axial injection of the suspension in the atmospheric plasma spraying process (here called axial suspension plasma spraying) is an attractive and advanced thermal spraying technology especially for the deposition of thermal barrier coatings (TBCs). It enables the growth of columnar-like structures and, hence, combines advantages of electron beam-physical vapor deposition (EB-PVD) technology with the considerably cheaper atmospheric plasma spraying (APS). In the first part of this study, the effects of spraying conditions on the microstructure of yttria partially-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) top coats and the deposition efficiency were investigated. YSZ coatings deposited on as-sprayed bond coats with 5 wt % solid content suspension appeared to have nicely-developed columnar structures. Based on the preliminary results, the nicely developed columnar coatings with variations of the stand-off distances and yttria content were subjected to thermal cycling tests in a gas burner rig. In these tests, all columnar structured TBCs showed relatively short lifetimes compared with porous APS coatings. Indentation measurements for Young’s modulus and fracture toughness on the columns of the SPS coatings indicated a correlation between mechanical properties and lifetime for the SPS samples. A simplified model is presented which correlates mechanical properties and lifetime of SPS coatings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Thermal Barrier Coatings)

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10671 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Microstructure, Mechanical, Oxidation and Corrosion Properties of the Cr-Al-Si-N Coatings Deposited by a Hybrid Sputtering System

by Jicheng Ding, Tengfei Zhang, Je Moon Yun, Myung Chang Kang, Qimin Wang and Kwang Ho Kim

Coatings 2017, 7(8), 119; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings7080119 - 09 Aug 2017

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 6413

Abstract

CrN and Cr-Al-Si-N coatings were deposited on SUS304 and Si-wafers by a hybrid coating system. The Cr and Al-Si target were connected to the cathode arc ion plating (AIP) and high power impulse magnetron sputtering (HiPIMS), respectively. Various Al and Si contents in [...] Read more.

CrN and Cr-Al-Si-N coatings were deposited on SUS304 and Si-wafers by a hybrid coating system. The Cr and Al-Si target were connected to the cathode arc ion plating (AIP) and high power impulse magnetron sputtering (HiPIMS), respectively. Various Al and Si contents in the coatings were obtained by changing the power of Al-Si target from 0 to 1 kW. The results demonstrated a face-centered cubic structure in all of the coatings. With increasing Al-Si target power, both the density and mean diameter of the macroparticles on the coating surface declined. As Al and Si contents increased, the microstructure of the Cr-Al-Si-N coatings evolved from a dense column structure, to a finer grain column structure, and then to a compact granular-like structure. The hardness of the coatings increased from 21.5 GPa for the pure CrN coating, to a maximum value of ~27 GPa for the Cr-Al-Si-N coating deposited at 0.4 kW, which was mainly attributed to the solid solution strengthening and increased residual stress. The addition of Al and Si contents led to enhanced wear resistance against alumina balls at both room and elevated temperatures. Meanwhile, the Cr-Al-Si-N coatings also exhibited an excellent resistance to high-temperature oxidation at 800 and 1000 °C, and improved corrosion resistance, as compared with CrN coatings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mechanical Behavior of Coatings and Engineered Surfaces)

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9288 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Antireflection Coatings for Strongly Curved Glass Lenses by Atomic Layer Deposition

by Kristin Pfeiffer, Ulrike Schulz, Andreas Tünnermann and Adriana Szeghalmi

Coatings 2017, 7(8), 118; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings7080118 - 09 Aug 2017

Cited by 63 | Viewed by 19866

Abstract

Antireflection (AR) coatings are indispensable in numerous optical applications and are increasingly demanded on highly curved optical components. In this work, optical thin films of SiO₂, Al₂O₃, TiO₂ and Ta₂O₅ were prepared by [...] Read more.

Antireflection (AR) coatings are indispensable in numerous optical applications and are increasingly demanded on highly curved optical components. In this work, optical thin films of SiO₂, Al₂O₃, TiO₂ and Ta₂O₅ were prepared by atomic layer deposition (ALD), which is based on self-limiting surface reactions leading to a uniform film thickness on arbitrarily shaped surfaces. Al₂O₃/TiO₂/SiO₂ and Al₂O₃/Ta₂O₅/SiO₂ AR coatings were successfully applied in the 400–750 nm and 400–700 nm spectral range, respectively. Less than 0.6% reflectance with an average of 0.3% has been measured on a fused silica hemispherical (half-ball) lens with 4 mm diameter along the entire lens surface at 0° angle of incidence. The reflectance on a large B270 aspherical lens with height of 25 mm and diameter of 50 mm decreased to less than 1% with an average reflectance < 0.3%. The results demonstrate that ALD is a promising technology for deposition of uniform optical layers on strongly curved lenses without complex in situ thickness monitoring. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antireflective Coatings for Glass and Transparent Polymers)

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1849 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Preparation and Characterization of Fluorinated Hydrophobic UV-Crosslinkable Thiol-Ene Polyurethane Coatings

by Wenjing Xia, Nianqing Zhu, Rongjie Hou, Wengui Zhong and Mingqing Chen

Coatings 2017, 7(8), 117; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings7080117 - 06 Aug 2017

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 6352

Abstract

The polyurethane prepolymer terminated with a double bond was synthesized using isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI), hydroxyl terminated polybutadiene (HTPB), 1,4-butanediol (BDO), and 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate (HEA). Then, a series of innovative UV-curable polyurethane coatings were prepared by blending ene-terminated polyurethane, fluoroacrylate monomer, and multifunctional thiol [...] Read more.

The polyurethane prepolymer terminated with a double bond was synthesized using isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI), hydroxyl terminated polybutadiene (HTPB), 1,4-butanediol (BDO), and 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate (HEA). Then, a series of innovative UV-curable polyurethane coatings were prepared by blending ene-terminated polyurethane, fluoroacrylate monomer, and multifunctional thiol crosslinker upon UV exposure. The incorporation of fluoroacrylate monomer and multifunctional thiols into polyurethane coatings significantly enhanced the hydrophobic property, mechanical property, pencil hardness, and glossiness of the polyurethane coatings. This method of preparing UV crosslinkable, hydrophobic polyurethane coatings based on thiol-ene chemistry exhibited numerous advantages over other UV photocuring systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Selected Papers from PCM 2017 (Coatings and Its Application))

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10060 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Nanoscale Characterization of Glass Flake Filled Vinyl Ester Anti-Corrosion Coatings

by Salim Barbhuiya and Mohammad Ikbal Choudhury

Coatings 2017, 7(8), 116; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings7080116 - 04 Aug 2017

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 5823

Abstract

Vinyl ester is a thermoset matrix resin that is widely used in the coating industry. The presence of glass flakes further enhances the anti-corrosion performance of this coating. This paper reports the nanoscaled characterization of glass flake filled vinyl ester anti-corrosion coatings on [...] Read more.

Vinyl ester is a thermoset matrix resin that is widely used in the coating industry. The presence of glass flakes further enhances the anti-corrosion performance of this coating. This paper reports the nanoscaled characterization of glass flake filled vinyl ester anti-corrosion coatings on mild steel. Bond strength properties of one uncoated and four coated samples with different thicknesses (300, 600, 900 and 1200 μm) were studied using nanoscratch technique and ASTM Standard Test. It was found that the bond strength of coating with thickness 900 μm was the highest. The frequency distributions of elastic modulus on coating with 900 μm thickness determined using nanoindentation indicated that only 20–25% of the coating is composed of glass flakes and the balance is vinyl ester matrix. The critical depth at which the material is subject to failure due to external load and abrasion, was found to be around 100 nm. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Coatings for Corrosion Mitigation)

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1836 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Investigation of Structural and Electronic Properties of CH₃NH₃PbI₃ Stabilized by Varying Concentrations of Poly(Methyl Methacrylate) (PMMA)

by Celline Awino, Victor Odari, Thomas Dittrich, Pongthep Prajongtat, Thomas Sakwa and Bernd Rech

Coatings 2017, 7(8), 115; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings7080115 - 03 Aug 2017

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 5023 | Correction

Abstract

Studies have shown that perovskites have a high potential of outdoing silicon based solar cells in terms of solar energy conversion, but their rate of degradation is also high. This study reports on improvement on the stability of CH₃NH₃PbI [...] Read more.

Studies have shown that perovskites have a high potential of outdoing silicon based solar cells in terms of solar energy conversion, but their rate of degradation is also high. This study reports on improvement on the stability of CH₃NH₃PbI₃ by passivating it with polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA). Structural and electronic properties of CH₃NH₃PbI₃ stabilized by polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) were investigated by varying concentrations of PMMA in the polymer solutions. Stability tests were performed over a period of time using modulated surface photovoltage (SPV) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and photoluminescence (PL) measurements. The XRD patterns confirm the tetragonal structure of the deposited CH₃NH₃PbI₃ for every concentration of PMMA. Furthermore, CH₃NH₃PbI₃ coated with 40 mg/mL of PMMA did not show any impurity phase even after storage in air for 43 days. The Tauc gap (E_Tauc) determined on the basis of the in-phase SPV spectra was found in the range from 1.585 to 1.62 eV for the samples stored during initial days, but shifted towards lower energies as the storage time increased. This can be proposed to be due to different chemical reactions between CH₃NH₃PbI₃/PMMA interfaces and air. PL intensity increased with increasing concentration of PMMA except for the perovskite coated with 40 mg/mL of PMMA. PL quenching in the perovskite coated with 40 mg/mL of PMMA can be interpreted as fast electron transfer towards the substrate in the sample. This study shows that, with an optimum concentration of PMMA coating on CH₃NH₃PbI₃, the lifetime and hence stability on electrical and structural behavior of CH₃NH₃PbI₃ is improved. Full article

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6101 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Electrophoretic Coating of Octahedral Molybdenum Metal Clusters for UV/NIR Light Screening

by Thi Kim Ngan Nguyen, Benjamin Dierre, Fabien Grasset, Noée Dumait, Stéphane Cordier, Pierric Lemoine, Adèle Renaud, Hiroshi Fudouzi, Naoki Ohashi and Tetsuo Uchikoshi

Coatings 2017, 7(8), 114; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings7080114 - 03 Aug 2017

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 6512

Abstract

Thin and transparent Mo₆ cluster films with significant optical properties were prepared on indium tin oxide (ITO)-coated glass plates from the suspension of Cs₂Mo₆Br₁₄ cluster precursors dispersed in methyl-ethyl-ketone (MEK) by an electrophoretic deposition (EPD) process. Two [...] Read more.

Thin and transparent Mo₆ cluster films with significant optical properties were prepared on indium tin oxide (ITO)-coated glass plates from the suspension of Cs₂Mo₆Br₁₄ cluster precursors dispersed in methyl-ethyl-ketone (MEK) by an electrophoretic deposition (EPD) process. Two kinds of polydimethylsiloxanes (PDMS); i.e., KF-96L-1.5CS and KF-96L-2CS corresponding to the kinetic viscosity of 1.5 and 2 centistokes, respectively, were selected to topcoat the Mo₆ cluster film after the EPD. The influence of the PDMS on the durability, chemical compatibility and light absorption property of Mo₆ cluster films were characterized by means of field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and ultraviolet-visible-near infrared (UV-Vis-NIR) spectroscopy. The stabilized PDMS-coated Mo₆ cluster film could be stored for more than 6 months under ambient conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electrophoretic Deposition)

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3347 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Thermal-Sprayed Coatings on Bushing and Sleeve-Pipe Surfaces in Continuous Galvanizing Sinking Roller Production Line Applications

by Guangwei Zhang, Deyuan Li, Ning Zhang, Nannan Zhang and Sihua Duan

Coatings 2017, 7(8), 113; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings7080113 - 02 Aug 2017

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 5023

Abstract

This paper describes thermal spray techniques for making hard coatings on bushing and sleeve component surfaces. Specifically, plasma-arc welding was used to produce 5-mm thick Co-Cr alloy welding overlays on the bushing, while a high-velocity oxy-fuel spraying technique and laser re-melting technique were [...] Read more.

This paper describes thermal spray techniques for making hard coatings on bushing and sleeve component surfaces. Specifically, plasma-arc welding was used to produce 5-mm thick Co-Cr alloy welding overlays on the bushing, while a high-velocity oxy-fuel spraying technique and laser re-melting technique were used to produce thinner coatings of Co-Cr-Ni+WC of about 1mm thickness on the sleeve-pipe counterparts. The surface-treated components were then submerged in liquid zinc to study the corrosive behaviour of the surface coating and substrate. Both the scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive spectrometer analyses were used to study the microstructure and phase composition of both coatings and substrates prior to and after corrosion experiments. The results show that the microstructure of the bushing consists of γ-cobalt solid solution as well as the eutectic structure of γ-cobalt and carbides, which have good corrosive resistance against molten zinc. Meanwhile, the microstructure of the sleeve pipe consists of a Co-Cr solid solution with various forms of carbides, which displays the combined properties of toughness with good corrosive resistance to molten zinc. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Manufacturing and Surface Engineering)

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1927 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Numerical Verification of Gallium Nitride Thin-Film Growth in a Large MOCVD Reactor

by Chih-Kai Hu, Chun-Jung Chen, Ta-Chin Wei, Tomi T. Li, Chih-Yung Huang, Chu-Li Chao and Yi-Jiun Lin

Coatings 2017, 7(8), 112; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings7080112 - 31 Jul 2017

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 5180

Abstract

A numerical verification procedure and the effects of operating conditions in a large, vertical, and close-spaced reactor for metalorganic chemical vapor deposition are investigated through simulation and analysis. A set of epitaxy experiments are presented for verifying the growth rate of the gallium [...] Read more.

A numerical verification procedure and the effects of operating conditions in a large, vertical, and close-spaced reactor for metalorganic chemical vapor deposition are investigated through simulation and analysis. A set of epitaxy experiments are presented for verifying the growth rate of the gallium nitride (GaN) mechanism reported in our previous study. The full governing equations for continuity, momentum, energy, and chemical reaction are solved numerically. The results show that the real operating parameters (susceptor temperature: 1188 °C or 1238 °C; pressure: 100–300 torr) affect thin-film uniformity, and the predicted growth rates agree reasonably well with the experimental data, indicating the accuracy of the projected chemical reaction mechanisms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Chemical Vapor Deposition)

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5708 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Thermal Analysis of Tantalum Carbide-Hafnium Carbide Solid Solutions from Room Temperature to 1400 °C

by Cheng Zhang, Archana Loganathan, Benjamin Boesl and Arvind Agarwal

Coatings 2017, 7(8), 111; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings7080111 - 28 Jul 2017

Cited by 33 | Viewed by 9234

Abstract

The thermogravimetric analysis on TaC, HfC, and their solid solutions has been carried out in air up to 1400 °C. Three solid solution compositions have been chosen: 80TaC-20 vol % HfC (T80H20), 50TaC-50 vol % HfC (T50H50), and 20TaC-80 vol % HfC (T20H80), [...] Read more.

The thermogravimetric analysis on TaC, HfC, and their solid solutions has been carried out in air up to 1400 °C. Three solid solution compositions have been chosen: 80TaC-20 vol % HfC (T80H20), 50TaC-50 vol % HfC (T50H50), and 20TaC-80 vol % HfC (T20H80), in addition to pure TaC and HfC. Solid solutions exhibit better oxidation resistance than the pure carbides. The onset of oxidation is delayed in solid solutions from 750 °C for pure TaC, to 940 °C for the T50H50 sample. Moreover, T50H50 samples display the highest resistance to oxidation with the retention of the initial carbides. The oxide scale formed on the T50H50 sample displays mechanical integrity to prevent the oxidation of the underlying carbide solid solution. The improved oxidation resistance of the solid solution is attributed to the reaction between Ta₂O₅ and HfC, which stabilizes the volume changes induced by the formation of Ta₂O₅ and diminishes the generation of gaseous products. Also, the formation of solid solutions disturbs the atomic arrangement inside the lattice, which delays the reaction between Ta and O. Both of these mechanisms lead to the improved oxidation resistances of TaC-HfC solid solutions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ultrahigh Temperature Ceramic Coatings and Composites)

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4259 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Phase and Microstructural Correlation of Spark Plasma Sintered HfB₂-ZrB₂ Based Ultra-High Temperature Ceramic Composites

by Ambreen Nisar and Kantesh Balani

Coatings 2017, 7(8), 110; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings7080110 - 26 Jul 2017

Cited by 49 | Viewed by 6810

Abstract

The refractory diborides (HfB₂ and ZrB₂) are considered as promising ultra-high temperature ceramic (UHTCs) where low damage tolerance limits their application for the thermal protection system in re-entry vehicles. In this regard, SiC and CNT have been synergistically added as [...] Read more.

The refractory diborides (HfB₂ and ZrB₂) are considered as promising ultra-high temperature ceramic (UHTCs) where low damage tolerance limits their application for the thermal protection system in re-entry vehicles. In this regard, SiC and CNT have been synergistically added as the sintering aids and toughening agents in the spark plasma sintered (SPS) HfB₂-ZrB₂ system. Herein, a novel equimolar composition of HfB₂ and ZrB₂ has shown to form a solid-solution which then allows compositional tailoring of mechanical properties (such as hardness, elastic modulus, and fracture toughness). The hardness of the processed composite is higher than the individual phase hardness up to 1.5 times, insinuating the synergy of SiC and CNT reinforcement in HfB₂-ZrB₂ composites. The enhanced fracture toughness of CNT reinforced composite (up to a 196% increment) surpassing that of the parent materials (ZrB₂/HfB₂-SiC) is attributed to the synergy of solid solution formation and enhanced densification (~99.5%). In addition, the reduction in the analytically quantified interfacial residual tensile stress with SiC and CNT reinforcements contribute to the enhancement in the fracture toughness of HfB₂-ZrB₂-SiC-CNT composites, mandatory for aerospace applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ultrahigh Temperature Ceramic Coatings and Composites)

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5205 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fabrication and Testing of PVA/Chitosan Bilayer Films for Strawberry Packaging

by Yaowen Liu, Shuyao Wang, Wenting Lan and Wen Qin

Coatings 2017, 7(8), 109; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings7080109 - 25 Jul 2017

Cited by 73 | Viewed by 9584

Abstract

Strawberry packaging based on four different chitosan–poly(vinylalcohol) blend films with chitosan contents of 0 wt %, 20 wt %, 25 wt %, and 30 wt % was tested. The samples were stored at 18 ± 2 °C and 60% ± 5% relative humidity [...] Read more.

Strawberry packaging based on four different chitosan–poly(vinylalcohol) blend films with chitosan contents of 0 wt %, 20 wt %, 25 wt %, and 30 wt % was tested. The samples were stored at 18 ± 2 °C and 60% ± 5% relative humidity for six days. Strawberry quality was evaluated during and after storage. Strawberries packaged using these films showed significant differences in weight loss and firmness, decay percentage, titratable acidity, total soluble solids, and ascorbic acid content when compared to non-packaged strawberries. The 25 wt % bilayer film showed the best performance in terms of delaying changes in strawberries. The findings suggest that these 25 wt % chitosan films can used to extend strawberry shelf lives while maintaining quality levels. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Coatings for Food Packaging Applications)

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6163 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Vibration Characteristics and Damping Analysis of the Blisk-Deposited Hard Coating Using the Rayleigh-Ritz Method

by Feng Gao and Wei Sun

Coatings 2017, 7(8), 108; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings7080108 - 25 Jul 2017

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 5318

Abstract

For the purpose of improving the working reliability of the blisk (integrally-bladed disk) under severe environment, a passive vibration reduction method by depositing a hard coating on both sides of blades is developed and then investigated systematically. Firstly, an analytical model of the [...] Read more.

For the purpose of improving the working reliability of the blisk (integrally-bladed disk) under severe environment, a passive vibration reduction method by depositing a hard coating on both sides of blades is developed and then investigated systematically. Firstly, an analytical model of the blisk-deposited hard coating is taken into account. Secondly, by using the Oberst beam theory and axial symmetry property, the composite hard-coated blade is equivalent to a special homogeneous blade possessing the equivalent material parameters. Then, energy equations of the blisk with hard-coated blades are derived by using the complex-valued modulus, and then substituted into the Lagrange equations. Additionally, eigenvalue equations of the blisk with hard-coated blades are acquired by taking advantage of Rayleigh-Ritz method, and its natural characteristics are obtained subsequently. Further, the frequency response functions of the blisk with hard-coated blades are formulated by using proportional damping to achieve its damping matrix. Finally, a stainless-steel blisk with deposited NiCoCrAlY + YSZ hard coating on both sides of the blades is chosen as the study case to conduct numerical calculations, and the results are compared with those obtained by experimental tests in terms of natural frequencies and mode shapes. The variation of natural frequencies, modal loss factors and frequency response functions of the blisk generated by hard coating are studied, respectively, and the influence of the coating thickness on the damping capacity are further discussed. Full article

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Coatings, Volume 7, Issue 8 (August 2017) – 25 articles

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