Conference Agenda

Surface engineering plays a critical role in improving the physical, chemical, and functional properties of materials to meet the needs of a variety of applications, from industrial machinery to biological implants. Modification of surface characteristics can significantly improve performance in harsh environments, such as increased wear resistance, corrosion protection, and greater biocompatibility. This study explores various surface modification techniques, with a particular focus on coating methods (e.g., thermal spraying, PVD, CVD) and surface texturing techniques (e.g., laser surface texturing, micromachining). Among them, laser surface texturing (LST) stands out for its precision, repeatability, and ability to modify a variety of materials, including metals, polymers, and ceramics. The use of LST is further emphasized as an eco-friendly alternative to chemical etching and traditional processing methods, offering sustainability benefits through reduced waste and chemical use. In addition, the analytical research study discusses the influence of specific surface textures on properties such as friction, wear, and wetting, as well as their applications in industries such as aerospace, electronics, and metalworking. Key advantages of LST, such as improved process efficiency, reduced energy consumption and improved product quality, are explored, illustrating its potential to revolutionize surface engineering in various industrial sectors. In conclusion, research in the field of surface engineering, with a particular focus on the laser texturing process, can be considered as a crucial step towards advancement in a wide range of areas, leading to enhancements in mechanical efficiency and a reduction in environmental impact.

Ultra-high temperature ceramics, like HfC, TaC, ZrC, HfB2, ZrB2, ZrSi2 and their composites, are used as protective coatings in aero-propulsion, high ballistic coefficient atmospheric re-entry, and hypersonic applications. Despite their promise, these materials have drawbacks such as low fracture toughness, poor thermal shock resistance, and limited sinterability, resulting in low damage tolerance in extreme conditions. Recent studies highlight HfC and its composites are the most promising candidates for such applications, yet their behavior is unpredictable due to multiple phase transitions and uncontrolled oxidation/degradation under extreme condition. Understanding these effects, particularly oxidation kinetics and degradation, will fill knowledge gaps and aid material selection, influencing future manufacturing processes.

This study employed the HSTS-3 device to synthesize HfC and TaC, allowing rapid, controlled processing (with up to 10000 K/min) of disc-shaped compressed Hf/Ta+C mixtures up to a maximum temperature of 2000 K. The oxidation characteristics of the synthesized material were investigated through thermal analysis methods, which involved the systematic observation of alterations in temperature, the release of energy, and variations in mass as a consequence of airflow oxidation. Ex-situ characterization of materials links reaction kinetics, phase transition mechanisms, and degradation of material․