International Journal of Surface Science and Engineering (3 papers in press)

Regular Issues

• Enhancing the tribological and surface performance of TiN/AlCrN multilayer coatings on SS316L under the lubricating environment  
  by R. Gopi, I. Saravanan, A. Devaraju, M. Thirukumaran 
  Abstract: This study investigates the enhancement of mechanical and tribological performance of SS316L stainless steel through the deposition of TiN/AlCrN multilayer coatings using cathodic arc physical vapor deposition (CAPVD). Disc samples were evaluated under dry and wet sliding conditions to assess coating behaviour in clinically and industrially relevant environments. The multilayer architecture significantly increased the surface hardness to 1250 VHN, representing a 5% improvement over uncoated SS316L. Quantitative tribological testing revealed that the coefficient of friction (COF) increased with applied load in both environments; however, wet conditions consistently produced lower COF values due to the formation of a boundary lubricating film. Wear analysis via optical profilometry and SEM confirmed severe abrasive and delamination-driven wear under dry conditions, while wet environments limited surface damage and preserved coating integrity. These results demonstrate the effectiveness of TiN/AlCrN multilayers in improving wear resistance and frictional stability of SS316L, highlighting their potential for biomedical and engineering applications requiring enhanced durability under lubricated conditions.
  Keywords: TiN/AlCrN multilayer coatings; SS316L; cathodic arc PVD; tribological performance; coefficient of friction; COF; wear resistance.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJSURFSE.2026.10077610
   
  
• Atmospheric plasma sprayed Ti/HAp duplex coatings on CFR-PEEK substrates for implant applications: influence of process parameters on mechanical and microstructural characteristics  
  by Ali Tekin Guner, Cemal Meran, Fatih Ustel, Garip Erdogan, Yagmur Guner 
  Abstract: Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) is a high-performance thermoplastic valued for its biocompatibility and mechanical properties, especially when reinforced with carbon fibre (CFR-PEEK), making it suitable for load-bearing implants. However, its bioinert, hydrophobic surface limits osseointegration. To address this, titanium/hydroxyapatite duplex coatings were applied to CFR-PEEK using atmospheric plasma spraying (APS). Prior to coating, substrates were roughened by alumina sandblasting. A titanium bond coat was followed by a hydroxyapatite layer, deposited under varying plasma currents (600-700 A) and spray distances (100-150 mm). The effects of these parameters on coating adhesion, morphology, porosity, and crystallinity were assessed via tensile tests, SEM, and XRD. Results showed that increased spray distance enhanced surface roughness but reduced coating thickness and crystallinity, while higher current increased thickness but decreased roughness and crystallinity. The highest tensile adhesion strength (33.79 +- 1.52 MPa) was achieved at 650 A and 125 mm meeting international standards without damaging the substrate.
  Keywords: plasma spray; coating; polyetheretherketone; CFR-PEEK; titanium; hydroxyapatite; plasma spray parameters; biomedical; implant; surface modification.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJSURFSE.2026.10077853
   
  
• Erosion behaviour of bio-inspired 3D printed PLA surfaces under sand-blasting conditions  
  by Golam Fahim, Zahid Hasan, Aquib Rahman, Karib Ahmed Chowdhury, Atik Faisal Shihab, Rezone Islam Abir 
  Abstract: Biomimetic designs aim to replicate the naturally resilient surface patterns observed in desert-dwelling plants and animals to reduce surface wear and erosion of high-velocity vehicles. This study examines the effectiveness of bio-inspired surface patterns for improved erosion properties. The study produced and compared a variety of PLA samples featuring diverse designs based on nature. An erosive sand-blasting test was performed on the samples. After the test, the samples are analysed with the help of an inverted microscope. Different erosion types across the layers of the 3D printed samples and weight loss over time were identified The initial findings indicate that specific patterns, specifically the sand fish inspired pattern (0.0226% erosion) with a parallel alignment and the Wave shaped pattern (0.0462% erosion) with a near-perpendicular alignment to erosive forces, exhibited significantly superior performance compared to the traditional Flat pattern (0.3636% erosion) in terms of minimising erosion wear.
  Keywords: surface; topography; bioinspiration; patterns; tribology; durability; additive manufacturing.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJSURFSE.2026.10078698