Scientific Sessions

Coatings, thin films, and surface modification technologies play a vital role in enhancing the performance, durability, and functionality of materials across a wide range of industries. Coatings refer to layers of material applied to a surface to provide protective, decorative, or functional properties, such as corrosion resistance, thermal insulation, or reduced friction. Thin films, typically with thicknesses ranging from a few nanometers to several micrometers, are engineered using techniques like physical vapor deposition (PVD), chemical vapor deposition (CVD), atomic layer deposition (ALD), or sputtering. These films are crucial in electronics, optics, and renewable energy applications, where precise control over material properties is essential. Surface modification technologies involve altering the surface characteristics of a substrate without significantly changing its bulk properties. Methods such as ion implantation, plasma treatment, laser texturing, and chemical functionalization are used to improve adhesion, wettability, biocompatibility, or wear resistance. Together, these techniques enable engineers and scientists to tailor surfaces for specific environmental conditions, mechanical stresses, or chemical exposures.

Advancements in coatings, thin films, and surface modification have significantly impacted sectors like aerospace, automotive, electronics, biomedical engineering, and energy storage. In aerospace, thermal barrier coatings protect turbine blades from extreme heat, while in the automotive industry, anti-corrosion and wear-resistant coatings enhance component longevity. In electronics, ultra-thin dielectric films are essential for semiconductor devices, and in photovoltaics, transparent conductive coatings improve solar cell efficiency. Biomedical applications use surface-modified implants and devices to enhance tissue compatibility and reduce the risk of infection. Emerging trends focus on nanostructured coatings and smart surfaces, which can adapt to environmental changes, self-heal, or provide antimicrobial action. Environmental considerations are also driving the development of eco-friendly coating processes that minimize hazardous byproducts and energy consumption. With the integration of nanotechnology, computational modeling, and advanced manufacturing, coatings and surface modification technologies are poised to offer even more precise, durable, and multifunctional solutions for the next generation of materials engineering challenges.