METALLIC AND CERAMIC COATINGS SOLVE ECONOMIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS OF DEVELOPED AND DEVELOPING COUNTRIES

Abstract

The Center for Surface Engineering was conceived with the idea of conducting research in the area of materials aimed at industrial  applications  and  also  dedicated  to  the  promotion  of  young  talents  by  providing  tools  and  links  to  the achievement of their specialized training, both functions with the ultimate aim of contributing to national development.   This    paper    presents    a    review    of    one    of    the    research    lines    developed    at    the    Center,    Coatings. In designing a coating, attention focuses on two important characteristics: the resistance to the environment in which we are placing the piece, and adhesion of the coating to the substrate. Needless to say, other features will be important, whether they relate to the appearance or physical and chemical properties of the coating. Taking into account different end uses of the coating, the Center has been searched the implementation of various types of coatings, offering in this paper a summary of results, highlighting the achievements in each case. Among the coating processes to be mentioned are: electroless coatings, plasma, solgel, pyrolysis, and fluidized bed CVD, laser and acetylene thermal-spray and surface nitriding.