Thin Films and Coatings: Engineering the First Micrometres
Explain deposition, adhesion, residual stress and functional behaviour in thin engineered layers.
Why surfaces dominate
Wear, corrosion, friction, optical response and electronic transport often begin in the first micrometres.
Deposition routes
Physical vapour deposition, chemical vapour deposition, thermal spray, electroplating and solution routes create distinct structures.
Adhesion and interfaces
Chemical bonding, roughness, contamination and thermal-expansion mismatch determine whether a coating remains attached.
Residual stress and defects
Growth stress, thermal stress, pores and pinholes can cause cracking, delamination or loss of barrier performance.
Engineering takeaway
Specify substrate preparation, thickness, adhesion, defect density and service environment as one coating system.