Applications of Energy-Assistance to the formation of novel surface coatings

In the area of manufacturing, surface coating of materials is a widely-used process representing a multi-billion pound per annum industry. the choice of a suitable coating allows the design engineer to choose a material for its optimum bulk properties but, at the same time, tailor the surface properties for a specific application. For example, components made of iron have good mechanical strength but, because the iron surface forms an oxide, a suitable coating (usually chromium-based) is used to protect the product. Over the last decade interest has surged in the potential use of more exotic coatings with controlled micro- and nano-structure. Professor John Colligon and Dr Vladimir Vishnyakov have developed techniques for production of such coatings.