Recent advances in coating characterization techniques

Abstract

Coatings are basically thin films separating a substrate from the reactive surrounding environment to protect the substrate. Characterization of the coatings is very important to understand the coating properties, which enables researchers to enhance the performance of the coatings and optimize processing techniques. This chapter focuses on characterization techniques for surface morphology, surface wettability, and mechanical properties of the coated surface. Surface morphology is basically done by a set of analytical imaging techniques such as transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy to study surface structures and defects. To evaluate wetting behavior of the coated surface, contact angle measurement is utilized along with surface free energy and contact angle hysteresis. Electrochemical impedance analysis is very important to check corrosion protection of coating. Mechanical properties are important to know the coating stability in different working conditions. Stress and scratch resistance are important mechanical properties, which are discussed in this chapter. © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.