Research into Novel Coatings on Composites and Technical Polymers, with Tailored Functionalities for the Transport and Biomedical Industries

Abstract

AbstractThis work presents the methodology and results of the research into pre-treatments for thermal spray processes, applied to composites and technical polymers, as preparatory stage for the subsequent coating (ceramic and metallic) deposition via wire arc spray process. The research methodology includes the study of the thermal degradation of substrate materials, as well as the execution and characterization of mechanical (sand blasting), laser (surface texturing) and chemical (acid and base etching) pre-treatments. The quality of the proposed solutions is evaluated through visual inspection of the samples, optical micrography, surface roughness measurements, and mechanical adhesion testing of the coating. Finally, the selection of the most appropriate coating pre-treatment is made, considering technical and scalability criteria.