Team’s research focuses on the computer-aided designing of hard layers and anti-wear coatings, produced by physical vapor deposition (PVD) methods for the machining and biomedical applications. The team specializes in optimization of coating's structure and its deposition technology using Finite Element Method (FEM).
We are able to produce coatings using the techniques of cathodic arc evaporation (CAE), magnetron sputtering (MS), HiPIMS (High Power Impulse Magnetron Sputtering) and hybrid methods (CAE + MS), (HiPIMS + MS), nitriding + PVD. The Department has a microstructural research laboratory, including the X-ray diffractometer, which allows to analyze the phase structure of materials and its residual stresses.
The team also specializes in evaluation of materials mechanical properties as: microhardness, adhesion, fracture toughness and wear resistance. In the field of biological testing of materials, the Department has a laboratory equipped with, among others fluorescence microscope and UV spectrophotometer.
The expertise offered includes:
- Production of hybrid functional layers, optimization and control of gas nitriding processes.
- Tests of mechanical properties of materials, in particular thin coatings, including:
o microhardness tests by various methods,
o tests of coatings’ adhesion and fracture toughness using the scratch test and Rockwell C method,
o assessment of wear rate using the ball-on-disc method.
- The use of FEM to evaluate mechanical properties and optimize the structure of layers and coatings for given operating conditions.
- The use of thermodylatometry to characterize changes in stress states in PVD coating systems under the influence of thermal energy.
- Tests of antimicrobial properties of materials, including the assessment of microbial adhesion to their surface and their viability status.
- Tests of materials using the X-ray diffraction method in the field of: a) phase composition of crystalline materials, b) Rietveld analysis, c) residual stresses in steel, light alloys and thin coatings, d) structural tests of materials in non-ambient temperatures.
The group is interested in cooperation in:
- design and production of multilayer, gradient and nano-composite coatings with enhanced anti-wear and anti-corrosion properties using PVD techniques: CAE, MS and HiPIMS,
- FEM simulations supporting the evaluation of anti-wear properties of the substrate-coating systems, including: the assessment of fracture toughness, state of coating adhesion as well as wear rate for given operating conditions (analysis of stress and strain states initiated by external thermomechanical loads),
- microbiological tests of solid materials, powders and protective coatings in the field of: antimicrobial activity, adhesion of microorganisms to their surface and their viability.
Additional information (e.g. previous experience in Framework Programmes, experience related to innovation projects, prizes, participation in international organisations): The team has experience in the realisation of national and international (eg EFDR, Cornet initiatives) projects in the field of surface engineering, in particular the design and optimization of coatings with enhanced anti-wear properties.
Thematic area - Cluster in Horizon Europe: 4. Digital, Industry and Space.