Coatings and Films – Materials Science (CFM)
Section Information
Coatings and Films – Materials Science focuses on the development, deposition, characterization, and applications of thin films, surface coatings, and engineered interfaces. It examines how surface properties influence performance, durability, functionality, and interaction with different environments.
Modern research in coatings and films includes advanced deposition methods, nanostructured and multifunctional coatings, protective and decorative layers, optical and electronic films, and bioactive or antimicrobial surfaces. Work in this field explores mechanical, chemical, thermal, electrical, and optical behaviors at micro- and nanoscale levels.
This section publishes research articles, experimental studies, reviews, and case reports addressing coating technologies, thin-film engineering, surface modification, performance evaluation, failure mechanisms, and emerging applications across industrial, biomedical, environmental, electronic, and energy sectors.
Scope
- Thin-Film Deposition Technologies
- Physical vapor deposition (PVD), chemical vapor deposition (CVD), and sputtering
- Atomic layer deposition, epitaxy, and advanced coating techniques
- Solution-based film formation including sol–gel and spin coating
- Process optimization, uniformity control, and scalability
- Protective and Functional Coatings
- Wear-resistant, corrosion-resistant, and thermal barrier coatings
- Hydrophobic, superhydrophobic, and antifouling surfaces
- Antimicrobial and bioactive coatings
- Coatings for harsh environments and high-performance applications
- Optical, Electronic, and Magnetic Films
- Transparent conductive films, dielectric layers, and optical filters
- Semiconductor thin films for electronics, sensors, and photovoltaics
- Magnetic coatings for data storage and spintronic applications
- Optoelectronic device integration and performance enhancement
- Nanostructured and Multifunctional Coatings
- Nanoscale layers, nanocomposites, and hierarchical structures
- Smart coatings responsive to temperature, light, stress, or pH
- Multifunctional coatings for combined mechanical and functional needs
- Nanoparticle-based film engineering and surface reinforcement
- Surface Modification and Interface Engineering
- Surface treatments, plasma processing, and chemical modification
- Interfacial adhesion, diffusion, and bonding mechanisms
- Microstructure–property relationships at film–substrate interfaces
- Tailoring surface chemistry for improved performance
- Mechanical, Thermal, and Chemical Performance
- Hardness, adhesion, fracture resistance, and fatigue behavior
- Thermal stability, heat resistance, and expansion behavior
- Corrosion performance, oxidation resistance, and chemical durability
- Failure mechanisms and degradation analysis
- Energy, Environmental, and Industrial Applications
- Coatings for batteries, fuel cells, and catalytic systems
- Protective films for aerospace, automotive, and manufacturing
- Environmental barrier coatings and sustainable material solutions
- Photocatalytic, antimicrobial, and self-cleaning surfaces
- Characterization and Modeling
- Microstructural, compositional, and surface analysis techniques
- Thickness measurement, roughness evaluation, and defect analysis
- Simulation of coating growth, stress development, and performance
- Machine learning and data-driven design of coatings and films
Editorial Board
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Topical Advisory Panel
Papers Published
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