Aspects of Characterisation of Thin Coating Adhesion at the Nano-Scale

In response to current development of materials in nano-science.characterisation of thin coating adhesion ona nano-scale becomes one of the most important research areas,as new coatings get ever thinner and more technologically advanced.With a review of technology and mechanisms of evaluating the adhesion failure of coatings.three techniques,nano-im-pact,nano-scratch and nano-indentation techniques,for charactering the adhesion of thin coatings on a nano scale are described.Results of charactering the adhesion faliure of thin coatings using three different techniques indicate that the nano scratch and nano-indentation techniques are very useful tools particularly in charactering the performance of thin coatings under nano-abra sive wear conditions.However,results from these types of tests cannot be easily applied to predict the performance of coatings whose are subject to nano-erosive wear,cyclic nano-fatigue or multiple nano-impacts during service.Instead,results of the new dynamic testing technique。

Adhesion property of AlCrNbSiTi high-entropy alloy coating on zirconium:experimental and theoretical studies

Experimental scratch tests and first-principles calculations were used to investigate the adhesion property of AlCrNbSiTi high-entropy alloy(HEA)coatings on zirconium substrates.AlCrNbSiTi HEA and Cr coatings were deposited on Zr alloy substrates using multi-arc ion plating technology,and scratch tests were subsequently conducted to estimate the adhesion property of the coatings.The results indicated that Cr coatings had better adhesion strength than HEA coatings,and the HEA coatings showed brittleness.The special quasi-random structure approach was used to build HEA models,and Cr/Zr and HEA/Zr interface models were employed to investigate the cohesion between the coatings and Zr substrate using first-principles calculations.The calculated interface energies showed that the cohesion between the Cr coating and the Zr substrate was stronger than that of the HEA coating with Zr.In contrary to Al or Si in the HEA coating,Cr,Nb,and Ti atoms binded strongly with Zr substrate.Based on the calculated elastic constants,it was found that low Cr and high Al content decreased the mechanical performances of HEA coatings.Finally,this study demonstrated the utilization of a combined approach involving first-principles calculations and experimental studies for future HEA coating development.

Adhesion strength of tetrahydrofuran hydrates is dictated by substrate stiffness

Understanding the hydrate adhesion is important to tackling hydrate accretion in petro-pipelines.Herein,the relationship between the Tetrahydrofuran(THF)hydrate adhesion strength(AS)and surface stiffness on elastic coatings is systemically examined by experimental shear force measurements and theoretical methods.The mechanical factor-elastic modulus of the coatings greatly dictates the hydrate AS,which is explained by the adhesion mechanics theory,beyond the usual factors such as wettability and structural roughness.Moreover,the hydrate AS increases with reducing the thickness of the elastic coatings,resulted from the decrease of the apparent surface elastic modulus.The effect of critical thickness for the elastic materials with variable elastic modulus on the hydrate AS is also revealed.This study provides deep perspectives on the regulation of the hydrate AS by the elastic modulus of elastic materials,which is of significance to design anti-hydrate surfaces for mitigation of hydrate accretion in petro-pipelines.

Improvement of anticorrosion and adhesion to magnesium alloy by phosphate coating formed at room temperature

A new surface protection process was developed to magnesium alloy against corrosion in aggressive environments.Firstly,a phosphate coating was formed on rinsed magnesium alloy.Then,powder painting was carried out on the phosphated magnesium alloy.Surface morphologies and phase compositions of the phosphate coating were investigated by X-ray diffraction(XRD) and scanning electron microscope(SEM) .The results show that the phosphate coatings formed in bath containing earth additives at room temperature have dense and fine microstructure.The phosphate coating provides excellent paint adhesion to the magnesium alloy. Salt spray tests indicate that the corrosion resistance of the phosphate coating plus paint could meet the demand of magnesium alloy automobile components in aggressive environments.

Microstructure, Adhesion and Wear of Plasma Sprayed AlSi-SiC Composite Coatings

Al-12.5 wt% Si alloy powder with 15 wt% SiCp was mechanically alloyed (MA) using attrition mill in purified nitrogen atmosphere. The MA processed powder was found to have nano grain size and uniform distribution of SiCp in the AlSi matrix. This MA processed powder was used for atmospheric plasma spraying (APS) for varying distances and currents densities. The coatings obtained were studied by image analyzer, SEM and XRD. Microhardness and wear rate of the coatings were evaluated using Vickers indenter and pin on disk type tribometer, respectively. Adhesion strength of the coatings was measured by interfacial indentation test. The results showed that these coatings have uniform distribution of reinforced SiC particles in the nano crystalline matrix, low porosity (1% - 2%), low wear rates and improved adhe-sion strength. It was also observed that by increasing current density of APS, the adhesive strength increased.

Evaluation for Adhesion Strength of Coating and Substrateby Burying Beforehand Specimen

Adhesion strength is an important target in evaluating the quality of coating layers.The traditional way of adhesion strength test is bonding pull off method for thick layers and scratch test for thin films.The drawbacks of these two methods are discussed in this paper,and an evaluating method for adhesion strength of coating by burying beforehand specimen is proposed.The adhesion strength of samples is measured with two methods.The dispersity of testing data is lower than that in the ASTM C663 79 Standard.

IMPROVEMENT OF ADHESION BETWEEN ION PLATED TiN COATING AND BASE METAL BY ADDING Y

The adhesion between the ion plated TiN coating and the base metal is improved by adding Y.The machenism of the effect of Y has been discussed as well.

A method for predicting critical load evaluating adhesion of coatings in scratch testing

In this paper based on the experiment principle of evaluating adhesion property by scratch testing, the peeling mechanism of thin films is discussed by applying contact theory and surface physics theory. A mathematical model predicting the critical load is proposed for calculating critical load as determined byscratch testing. The factors for correctly evaluating adhesion of coatings according to the experimental data arediscussed.

ADHESION STRENGTH OF COATING SUBSTRATE AND SURFACE MORPHOLOGY OF PRETREATMENT

Premature failure of coated tool often results from a poor adhesion of coating-substrate and shortens the lifetime of the tool. The results of increasing the adhesion strength of thin film coatings on cutting tool inserts by pretreating the inserts with sandblasting technique to obtain a desirable surface morphology of the inserts are presented. A geometric model representing the ideal surface morphology is established to enhance the nucleation density and adhesion strength of coating-substrate. Thin film coating experiment is conducted on the substrates of four different sample groups. Indentation and wear tests are performed on coated inserts to evaluate the effect of sandblasting on the adhesion strength of the coatings. A theoretical analysis is provided on the formation and growth of atom clusters in terms of the contact angle and the thermodynamic barrier of a substrate to predict thin film nucleation.

Employing SiO_2 Buffer Layer to Improve Adhesion of the Frequency-doubled Antireflection Coating on LBO

Frequency-doubled antireflection coatings simultaneously effective at 1064 nm and 532 nm were deposited on the lithium triborate （LiB3O5 or LBO） crystals using the electron beam evaporation method. Comparing with the sample without buffer layer, it is found that the adhesion of the sample with buffer layer of SiO2 between coating and LBO substrate is improved significantly from 137.4 mN to greater than 200 mN. And the laser-induced damage threshold is increased by 20% from 15.1 J/cm^2 to 18.6 J/cm^2. The strengthening mechanism of adhesion of the buffer layer of SiO2 is discussed by considering full plastic indentation and shear theory.

Improvement of human embryonic stem cell-derived retinal pigment epithelium cell adhesion, maturation, and function through coating with truncated recombinant human vitronectin

AIM:To explore an xeno-free and defined coating substrate suitable for the culture of H9 human embryonic stem cell-derived retinal pigment epithelial(hES-RPE)cells in vitro,and compare the behaviors and functions of h ESRPE cells on two culture substrates,laminin521(LN-521)and truncated recombinant human vitronectin(VTN-N).METHODS:hES-RPE cells were used in the experiment.The abilities of LN-521 and VTN-N at different concentrations to adhere to hES-RPE cells were compared with a high-content imaging system.Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to evaluate RPE-specific gene expression levels midway(day 10)and at the end(day 20)of the time course.Cell polarity was observed by immunofluorescent staining for apical and basal markers of the RPE.The phagocytic ability of hES-RPE cells was identified by flow cytometry and immunofluorescence.RESULTS:The cell adhesion assay showed that the ability of LN-521 to adhere to hES-RPE cells was dosedependent.With increasing coating concentration,an increasing number of cells attached to the surface of LN-521-coated wells.In contrast,VTN-N presented a strong adhesive ability even at a low concentration.The optimal concentration of LN-521 and VTN-N required to coat and adhesion to hES-RPE cells were 2 and 0.25μg/cm^(2),respectively.Furthermore,both LN-521 and VTN-N could facilitate adoption of the desired cobblestone cellular morphology with tight junction and showed polarity by the hES-RPE cells.However,hES-RPE cells cultivated in VTN-N had a greater phagocytic ability,and it took less time for these hES-RPE cells to mature.CONCLUSION:VTN-N is a more suitable coating substrate for cultivating hES-RPE cells.

Correlation between Coating Adhesion and Damage Threshold: Simple Method of Reliability Assessment for Optoelectronic Applications

It is demonstrated that inherent coating adhesion and damage threshold are correlated for Ta2O5 and HfO2 coatings widely used in optoelectronic devices. By utilizing a newly proposed 1-h boiling water test combined with the optical aging under high-power laser irradiation, we show that an optical coating that survives the 1-h boiling water test withstands the damage threshold, ensuring the field service life even in harsh environments. Besides the standard evaluation methods, which may have limitations for applications required in harsh environments, the 1-h boiling water test can serve as an alternative method of reliability assessment for optical coatings. A heuristics herein can be used as a gating item for qualification of optical coatings for various applications.

Adhesion Improvement of Zirconium Coating on Polyurethane Modified by Plasmas

In order to improve the adhesion of the middle frequency magnetic sputtered zirconium coating on a polyurethane film,an anode layer source was used to pretreat the polyurethane film with nitrogen and oxygen ions.SEMs and AFM roughness profiles of treated samples and the contrast groups were obtained.Besides,XPS survey spectrums and high resolution spectrums were also investigated.The adhesion test revealed that ion bombardment could improve the adhesion to the polyurethane coating substrate.A better etching result of oxygen ions versus nitrogen predicts a higher bonding strength of zirconium coating on polyurethane and,indeed,the highest bonding strengths are for oxygen ion bombardment upto 13.3 MPa.As demonstrated in X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy,the oxygen ion also helps to introduce more active groups,and,therefore,it achieves a high value of adhesion strength.

New Methods Testing of Adhesion of the Coating to Sheet Metal by Bending

The article is deals for new experimental equipment for effective test adhesion for selected coating STEEL, applied cold on the coated metal sheet with Al (aluminum). Explanation to the word STEEL: STEEL coating has significant anti- corrosive properties and he is resistant for main oxidizing agents such as acids, alkalis, salt vapors etc. Resists tem- peratures to 600?C and create an elastic film that is resistant to abrasion, as soon as it was to complete po-lymerization. It is very simple to applied to metallic and nonmetallic surfaces. Dries quickly and is dry to the touch after 90 to 120 seconds. STEEL is the best possible solution anywhere, if needs arises powerful local protection against atmospheric and corrosive agents or to elevated temperatures. STEEL is also useful as a method for protect of welds on stainless steels instead of traditional staining procedures. Broad application is in automotive industry to modify the surfaces of block vehicle, car-body repairs, welds needing protection, in heating industry for example boilers, in air condition with heat exchanger and in shipping industry. [1-3].In experiments with a new test equipment is showed that for bending radius of interval from range R11 to R35 there is a change deposited coating STEEL from original coating Al and this coating was part of test metal sheet of thickness 1.5 mm. In the next stage of solution was developed technological process, which allowed increase of adhesion coating STEEL for bending up to or maximum 180? (shape U). Result of new technology is documented in article. Experiments was implementing with cooperation of the Masaryk University in Brno.

Effects of zincate treatment on adhesion of electroless Ni-P coating onto various aluminum alloys

The effects of alloying elements on zincate treatment and adhesion of electroless Ni-P coating onto various aluminum alloy substrates were examined.Surface morphology of zinc deposits in the 1st zincate treatment and its adhesion were changed depending on the alloying element.The zinc deposits in the 2nd zincate treatment became thinly uniform,and the adhesion between aluminum alloy substrate and Ni-P coating was improved irrespective of the alloying element.XPS analysis revealed the existence of zinc on the surface of each aluminum alloy substrate after the pickling in 5% nitric acid.This zinc on the surface should be an important factor influencing the morphology of zinc deposit at the 2nd zincate treatment and its adhesion.

Evaluation of the Interfacial Adhesion between Brittle Coating and Ductile Substrate by Cross-Sectional Indention

The cross-sectional indentation method is extended to evaluate the interfacial adhesion between brittle coating and ductile substrate. The experimental results on electroplated chromium coating/steel substrate show that the interfacial separation occurs due to the edge chipping of brittle coating. The corresponding models are established to elucidate interfacial separation processes. This work further highlights the advantages and potential of this novel indentation method.

Surface Anti-bacterial Adhesion Characteristics of TiO_2-coated PMMA

The anti-bacterial adhesion properties of TiO2-coated polymethyl methacrylate （PMMA） surfaces are investigated systematically. In detail, the adhesion of S. aureus （gram positive） and E. coli （gram negative） to TiO2-coated and uncoated PMMA surfaces are performed by the plate counting method. Afterwards, the adhesion free energy of bacteria on both supporting materials is quantified using the thermodynamic approach of Lifshitz van der Waals and acid/base interactions. The superior anti-adhesion capability of TiO2-coated PMMA is demonstrated when compared to native PMMA, both experimentally and theoretically.

Numerical Analysis of the Adhesive Forces in Nano-Scale Structure

Nanohairs, which can be found on the epidermis of Tokay gecko＇s toes, contribute to the adhesion by means of van der Waals force, capillary force, etc. This structure has inspired many researchers to fabricate the attachable nano-scale structures. However, the efficiency of artificial nano-scale structures is not reliable sufficiently. Moreover, the mechanical parameters related to the nano-hair attachment are not yet revealed qualitatively. The mechanical parameters which have influence on the ability of adhesive nano-hairs were investigated through numerical simulation in which only van der Waals force was considered. For the numerical analysis, finite element method was utilized and van der Waals force, assumed as 12-6 Lennard-Jones potential, was implemented as the body force term in the finite element formulation.

A Cold Adhesion for Self-fused Alloy Coat by High Frequency Induction

In this study, a method to prepare self-fused alloy coat, which started with a cold adhesion precoating and then induction fusing plus, is presented. It also intended to analyze the mechanism, microstructure and anitwear ability of the coat. The workpiece was precoated with Ni60 powder through an adhesion agent. The oven-dried precoat was then heated by a high frequency induction generated by 100kw power with a frequency of 250kHz. The technological parameters of the method were determined through analysis of the thermal magnetism, thermal resistivity and anti-induction mechanism. By comparing the microstrucrures and properties of the coat produced by cold adhesion, thermal spraying and laser refusing, it is concluded that: (1) One side of the workpiece should be preheated to 200℃ before induction fusion, and the range of induction frequency should be 200～250kHz. (2) The microstrucrure of the coat by cold adhesion is superior to that by thermal spraying, but the particle size range should be 0.047～0.044mm (200～320 meshes) (3) The corrosion resistance of Ni60 coat by cold adhesion is better than that by thermal spraying, and the cold adhesion is the best method to prepare the antiwear coat.

Tough adhesion and antifouling poly(vinyl alcohol)hydrogel coating on the arch wire for antibacterial adhesion

The arch wire(AW)plays an important role in providing continuous force,aligning the teeth,and excellent dental arch stability for orthodontic treatment.However,the high friction performance of the AW surface can increase bacterial adhesion and colonization,leading to oral hygiene problems.Herein,a simple method is developed to modify the surface of the orthodontic wire with a poly(vinyl alcohol)(PVA)hydrogel coating,which can improve the lubricity and antibacterial adhesion of the AW and prevent the oral hygiene problems caused by itself.The PVA hydrogel coating can toughly adhere to the surface of the AW and remarkably reduce the friction performance of the AW,and then its friction coefficient in water can reach 0.005.Under the action of brushing and bending,the PVA hydrogel coating possesses superior ultralubrication and hardly affects the mechanical properties of the stainless-steel substrate.Moreover,the PVA hydrogel coating can significantly inhibit bacterial adhesion on the surface of the AW,thereby reducing bacterial colonization and maintaining oral hygiene while correcting the shape of the mouth and jaw.Therefore,the PVA hydrogel coating exhibits tough adhesion and good antibacterial adhesion while maintaining the mechanical properties of the AW,and it is a promising antifouling coating for improving the performance of the AW.