COATINGS TECHNOLOGY: A REVIEWING AND COMPARATIVE STUDY OF THE COATINGS TECHNOLOGY AND HOW IT CAN BE USED TO OPTIMIZE PRODUCT DESIGN.

Abstract

It is quite common in the engineering applications that mechanical parts have to successfully withstand a combination of mechanical and chemical loads and serve different purposes. Thus, the need of multi-functional materials arises. This need can be, to some extent, satisfied by coatings. Coatings have the capacity to prevent or decrease the rhythm of the chemical and physical interaction between the substrate and the environment. This way the mechanical, the chemical and the physical properties of the material’s surface can be altered. Consequently, coatings can, for example, provide resistance to corrosion, oxidation or fatigue, but also ensure electrical insulation. Thus, with the right use of coatings, the engineer can create parts of high efficiency and also influence the object’s Life Cycle. This article, at first, attempts to make a review of the coating technology field, regarding the known techniques, the materials used, their properties and their common applications. Moreover, it includes comparative tables and diagrams that present the ranking of different coatings, concerning each property. The objective is the reader to familiarize with the use of coatings, to appreciate the benefits that can be gained and therefore include the coatings in the design of new products. Key words: Coatings technology; review; comparative study; design optimization.