Smart Coatings

A special issue of Coatings (ISSN 2079-6412). This special issue belongs to the section "Plasma Coatings, Surfaces & Interfaces".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 10 June 2024 | Viewed by 9701

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Poznan University of Technology, 60-965 Poznan, Poland
Interests: innovative machines and devices for the agri-food and forestry sector; DEM and FEM simulation studies; artificial intelligence; neural networks; machine learning; computer image analysis; SLA/DLP; mechanical and thermal properties; application of coatings in devices and machines; photopolymerization; photocurable coatings
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Co-Guest Editor
Institute of Chemical Technology and Engineering, Department of Polymers, Faculty of Chemical Technology, Poznan University of Technology, Berdychowo 4, PL-60965 Poznan, Poland
Interests: photopolymerization; photocurable coatings, kinetics of polymerization; SLA/DLP stereolithography; nanocompo-sites; hybrid polymeric materials; biomaterials; solid-state electrolyte; fillers
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

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Guest Editor Assistant
Department of Lightweight Element Engineering, Foundry, and Automation, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Wyspiańskiego 27, 50-370 Wroclaw, Poland
Interests: processing of polymers,production of polymer and composite coatings, technical composite polymer coatings,tests of mechanical properties of coatings, polyurea coatings

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Recent theoretical and experimental developments in smart coatings are among the most widely explained aspects of corrosion science. There are many definitions for smart coatings; however, what they all have in common is the trait of being able to sense and interact with their environment (materials can respond to changes in light, chemicals, heat, and other stimuli). External stimuli in smart coatings may include properties such as anticorrosion, antifungal, anti-fingerprinting, antifouling, anti-microbiological, piezo-magnetic, self-healing, solar-reflective, or super-hydrophobic.

The purpose of this Special Issue is to collect high-quality articles in the fields of synthesis, characterization, and applications of smart coatings. Smart coatings are made of programmable materials with a variety of chemical, physical, electrical, biological, and mechanical properties. Potential topics include but are not limited to the synthesis, functionalization, and characterization of fillers and preparation and characterization of smart coating materials. The thematic scope includes smart polymer coatings, i.e., composite coatings with increased strength properties (resistance to impact, abrasion), superhydrophobic coatings, self-healing and self-repair coatings, anticorrosion coatings, fireproof coatings used on steel structures, multifunctional coating, and electromagnetic radiation absorbing coatings. Smart coatings combine functionality with design to offer the usual functions of coatings, such as protection and decoration, as well as unique functions based on environmental stimuli.

It is our pleasure to invite you to submit a manuscript to this Special Issue. Full papers, communications, and reviews are all welcome.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr Łukasz Gierz
Guest Editor

Dr Mariola Robakowska
co-Guest Editor

Dr Paulina Mayer
Guest Editor Assistant

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. Coatings is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly 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 2600 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

  • smart
  • coatings
  • preparation of coatings
  • hybrid polymeric material
  • properties of coatings
  • functions of coatings

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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14 pages, 11084 KiB  
Article
Icephobic Coating Based on Epoxy/Polydimethylsiloxane Interpenetrating Polymer Network Gel
by Lin Zhao, Tianhui Hao, Qiang Xie, Yuan Tian, Jifeng Zhang and Haotian Guo
Coatings 2024, 14(1), 76; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/coatings14010076 - 05 Jan 2024
Viewed by 1013
Abstract
Ice accretion endangers the safety and reliability of equipment operation in frigid regions. Silicone polymer icephobic coatings present themselves as an effective strategy. However, they face durability challenges, which is a crucial foundation for expanding their application. In this work, a durable icephobic [...] Read more.
Ice accretion endangers the safety and reliability of equipment operation in frigid regions. Silicone polymer icephobic coatings present themselves as an effective strategy. However, they face durability challenges, which is a crucial foundation for expanding their application. In this work, a durable icephobic coating was prepared based on an epoxy/polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) gel. In the process, epoxy was used to improve mechanical performance. IPN technology was used to integrate PDMS and epoxy. Low-molecular-weight silicone oil was used to adjust the elastic modulus of the coating by reducing crosslinking. The mechanical properties, icephobicity and durability of the coatings were characterized through elastic modulus measurements, ice adhesion strength tests, and icing/deicing cycle tests, respectively. Results shows the ice adhesion strength of the epoxy/PDMS IPN gel coating was approximately 8 kPa when the elastic modulus was 0.18 MPa. Additionally, the epoxy/PDMS IPN gel has good durability, weather resistance, and substrate adhesion. After 25 icing/deicing cycle tests, the coating remained undamaged, and the ice adhesion strength was stable in the range of 3–14 kPa. Within the range of −5 to −30 °C, the ice adhesion strength of the coating was stable and less than 20 kPa. After 168 h of salt spray aging test, the ice adhesion strength of the coating was maintained at 48.72 ± 5.27 kPa. This can provide a reference for an icephobic coating design. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Coatings)
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15 pages, 4179 KiB  
Article
Parylene-AlOx Stacks for Improved 3D Encapsulation Solutions
by Sébastien Buchwalder, Florian Bourgeois, Juan J. Diaz Leon, Andreas Hogg and Jürgen Burger
Coatings 2023, 13(11), 1942; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/coatings13111942 - 14 Nov 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 845
Abstract
The demand for ultra-tight encapsulation solutions with excellent barrier and high conformality properties has increased in recent years. To meet these challenges, thin-film barrier coatings have emerged as a promising solution. In this study, we investigate well-established silicon-based plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) [...] Read more.
The demand for ultra-tight encapsulation solutions with excellent barrier and high conformality properties has increased in recent years. To meet these challenges, thin-film barrier coatings have emerged as a promising solution. In this study, we investigate well-established silicon-based plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) and metal oxide atomic layer deposition (ALD) barrier coatings deposited at low temperatures (≤100 °C) regarding their abilities to address high-level 3D encapsulation applications. Various combinations of such layers are evaluated by measuring the water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) and considering the conformality properties. The impact and the benefits of the organic film integration, namely parylene VT4 grade, on the barrier performances is assessed. Among these combinations, parylene-AlOx stack emerges as one of the most effective solutions, obtaining a WVTR of 3.1 × 10−4 g m−2 day−1 at 38 °C and 90% relative humidity conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Coatings)
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17 pages, 8354 KiB  
Article
Effect of Magnesium Hydroxide and Aluminum Hydroxide as Thermal Barriers on the Flame-Retardant Behavior of Acrylic-Based Coating
by Giuseppe Scionti, Elpida Piperopoulos, Mario Atria, Luigi Calabrese and Edoardo Proverbio
Coatings 2023, 13(9), 1517; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/coatings13091517 - 28 Aug 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1308
Abstract
In the effort to improve fire safety in residential, industrial, or naval structures, the study of flame-retardant coatings has become increasingly interesting. Flame-retardant additives are definitely the most traveled route; however, often these additives are halogenated compounds that increase the amount of smoke [...] Read more.
In the effort to improve fire safety in residential, industrial, or naval structures, the study of flame-retardant coatings has become increasingly interesting. Flame-retardant additives are definitely the most traveled route; however, often these additives are halogenated compounds that increase the amount of smoke and toxic decomposition of the products during polymer combustion. It is necessary to develop new fire retardant (FR) agents that respect the environment and are safe for human health. This work aims to study two completely harmless hydroxides, Mg(OH)2 and Al(OH)3, added in low percentages (2 wt.%) to an already marketed acrylic polymer emulsion (79.2 wt.% of solid content, 37.3 wt.% and 41.8 wt.%, respectively, for polymer and fillers contents) in order to decrease the dangerous effects of these additives on the physical integrity and durability of the coatings. The hydroxides content was added in 6.2 wt.% and 5.6 wt.%, respectively, to polymer and total solids present in the emulsion. Flame exposure tests are conducted at different times (15 s and 30 s) to verify the flame stability and thermal insulation exerted by the investigated coatings. Furthermore, through a precise analysis of the areas damaged by the combustion process, it is possible to link the flame-retardant properties to the FR choice and its particle size, finding a promising solution in the sample based on small Mg(OH)2 particles for fire protection in naval applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Coatings)
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18 pages, 8178 KiB  
Article
Comparative Analysis of Strength Fatigue Properties and Abrasive Wear Resistance for a New Composition of Polymer Concrete Coated with Metal Alloy Powders
by Tatyana Nikonova, Łukasz Gierz, Alexandra Berg, Vytautas Turla, Łukasz Warguła, Vassiliy Yurchenko, Gulnur Abdugaliyeva, Darkhan Zhunuspekov, Bartosz Wieczorek, Mariola Robakowska and Dandybaev Essim
Coatings 2023, 13(3), 586; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/coatings13030586 - 08 Mar 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1483
Abstract
The possibility of using powder spraying to improve the strength properties of polymer concrete products has been studied. Different compositions of polymer concrete mixtures have been compared and analyzed in order to find out the adhesive and cohesive properties of coatings. An analysis [...] Read more.
The possibility of using powder spraying to improve the strength properties of polymer concrete products has been studied. Different compositions of polymer concrete mixtures have been compared and analyzed in order to find out the adhesive and cohesive properties of coatings. An analysis of the stress-strain state under static loads has been carried out. To improve the tribological properties and wear resistance of critical parts of metal-cutting machine tools, such as beds, it is proposed to spray polymer concrete surfaces using the gas-thermal method. Two types of powder mixtures for spraying have been compared, and the adhesive properties of the analyzed coatings have been considered. The finite element method was used for the calculation of the abrasion resistance of polymer concrete models according to the proposed modification of Ni-7Cr-3Fe + 60% WC coating composition, which showed that the use of gas-thermal coating for polymer concrete is justified. Based on a simulation of adhesive peeling strength, it can be concluded that the wear coefficient of the coated sample is quite large. Under the impact of amplitude loads applied during 5 × 106 loading cycles with a high degree of wear equal to 1.5, the sample showed high safety margins equal to 0.67. The presence of a sprayed layer prevents the concentration of internal stresses in the area of polymer concrete, taking over the resulting stresses under an external force caused by the mechanical properties of the materials, thereby increasing the service life of a manufactured part. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Coatings)
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13 pages, 2037 KiB  
Article
Preparation of the Surface of Long-Dimensional Rods of Hydro-Cylinders for Thermal Spraying Using an Abrasive Jet
by Gulnara Zhetessova, Tatyana Nikonova, Łukasz Gierz, Darkhan Zhunuspekov, Vassiliy Yurchenko and Olga Zharkevich
Coatings 2022, 12(10), 1514; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/coatings12101514 - 10 Oct 2022
Viewed by 1348
Abstract
Preliminary cleaning of the surface of hydraulic cylinder rods is of great importance for subsequent coating. The most widely used surface preparation for thermal spraying is jet-abrasive treatment. The shot blast modes provide the hardness and strength of the material being processed. The [...] Read more.
Preliminary cleaning of the surface of hydraulic cylinder rods is of great importance for subsequent coating. The most widely used surface preparation for thermal spraying is jet-abrasive treatment. The shot blast modes provide the hardness and strength of the material being processed. The impact of the abrasive makes the surface rough, increasing the contact area. Experimental studies of jet-abrasive processing of the hydraulic cylinder rod surface, as well as its activation for the thermal spraying, were carried out. The prepared surface of the rod for thermal spraying must meet the requirements for surface roughness and the size of the hardened layer at work. The experiments made it possible to identify the optimal modes of jet-abrasive treatment, which affect surface roughness and abrasive penetration of abrasive. To obtain the desired roughness values, it is preferable to use the following: a steel shot with an abrasive particle size in the range of 0.3–1.5 mm, taking the compressed air pressure in the range of 0.4–0.7 MPa; processing time—within 3.5–5 min; counterflow angle with the surface—70–90°; consumption of abrasive particles—300–500 kg/h. A special installation for jet-abrasive processing has been designed, which makes it possible to restore the surfaces of long rods by thermal spraying directly at the site of operation of the large machines. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Coatings)
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13 pages, 5975 KiB  
Article
Influence of the Addition of Sialon and Aluminum Nitride Fillers on the Photocuring Process of Polymer Coatings
by Mariola Robakowska, Łukasz Gierz, Paulina Mayer, Katarzyna Szcześniak, Agnieszka Marcinkowska, Aneta Lewandowska and Piotr Gajewski
Coatings 2022, 12(10), 1389; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/coatings12101389 - 22 Sep 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1241
Abstract
This article presents the results of a study on polymer coatings containing poly ethoxylated bisphenol A diacrylate (Bis-AEA10) with aluminum silicon nitride oxide (Sialon) and aluminum nitride (AlN). The polymer coatings were obtained by the photopolymerization technique. Investigations were carried out to determine [...] Read more.
This article presents the results of a study on polymer coatings containing poly ethoxylated bisphenol A diacrylate (Bis-AEA10) with aluminum silicon nitride oxide (Sialon) and aluminum nitride (AlN). The polymer coatings were obtained by the photopolymerization technique. Investigations were carried out to determine the effect of the AlN and Sialon content on the UV-curing kinetics, as well as on the mechanical (hardness), thermal (Tg, thermal stability), physicochemical (water contact angle), and structural properties of the polymer coatings. Polymerization rates were characterized as functions of double-bond conversion using the photo-Differential Scanning Calorymetry technique (photo-DSC). The results obtained showed that a small addition of sialon filler (3–5 wt.%) to Bis-AEA10 increases the photopolymerization rate of the varnish, while the addition of more Sialon decreases the rate of photopolymerization. However, for the systems containing AlN filler, the maximum polymerization rate was observed for samples containing 10 wt.% filler. In the case of a varnish composition containing AlN, the maximum polymerization rate is characterized by the system containing 10 wt.% of AlN. This shows that the AlN filler has a good influence on the polymerization process. In either case, the final double bond conversion was high (80%–95%). Mechanical tests have shown that introducing the filler into the polymer matrix increases its hardness. The content of Sialon and AlN in the coatings causes an increase (up to 4–5 wt.%) and a decrease (>4–5 wt.%) in the glass transition temperature. The effect of the addition of fillers on the physicochemical properties of the coating surface has also been investigated and characterized by the water contact angle method. The addition of 20 wt.% Sialon and AlN increased the contact angle of the samples by approximately 40% and 31%, respectively, resulting in coatings with hydrophobic surface properties. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Coatings)
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Review

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28 pages, 5396 KiB  
Review
Preparation and Applications of Superhydrophobic Coatings on Aluminum Alloy Surface for Anti-Corrosion and Anti-Fouling: A Mini Review
by Qianyi Zhu, Xiaoqing Du, Yudie Liu, Xuming Fang, Dongchu Chen and Zhao Zhang
Coatings 2023, 13(11), 1881; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/coatings13111881 - 01 Nov 2023
Viewed by 1723
Abstract
Aluminum alloy is widely used in many fields for its excellent performance. However, in practical application, aluminum alloy is easy to become corroded and be invalidated, owing to the influence of environmental factors. Some pollutants or corrosive media on its surface adhesion will [...] Read more.
Aluminum alloy is widely used in many fields for its excellent performance. However, in practical application, aluminum alloy is easy to become corroded and be invalidated, owing to the influence of environmental factors. Some pollutants or corrosive media on its surface adhesion will further deepen the failure rate of aluminum alloy, resulting in a large amount of workforce waste, waste of material and financial resources, and energy consumption. So the anti-corrosion and anti-fouling treatment of aluminum alloy surfaces to expand their practical application range and reduce energy loss are of great significance. In this paper, we first summarize the types of anti-corrosion and anti-fouling coatings on aluminum alloy surfaces. We found that superhydrophobic coating has attracted widespread attention recently because of its surface’s non-wetting and low surface energy characteristics. The superhydrophobic coating refers to a coating with a water contact angle on its surface greater than 150° and a sliding angle of less than 10°. Preparing superhydrophobic coatings on the surface of aluminum alloy can improve the corrosion resistance and anti-pollutant adhesion ability at the same time. Therefore, in the following part of the review, the preparation methods of superhydrophobic coatings on aluminum alloy surfaces for anti-corrosion and anti-fouling and the significant problems encountered in the practical application of the superhydrophobic coating on aluminum alloy surfaces, such as poor anti-corrosion durability and poor mechanical stability, and the existing methods to solve these critical problems, are summarized and discussed in detail. Finally, we put forward some new solutions to solve these vital issues. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Coatings)
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