Surface Engineering

Introduction

Surface engineering is the sub-discipline of materials science which deals with the surface of solid matter. It has applications to chemistry, mechanical engineering, and electrical engineering (particularly in relation to semiconductor manufacturing). Solids are composed of a bulk material covered by a surface. The surface which bounds the bulk material is called the surface phase. It acts as an interface to the surrounding environment. The bulk material in a solid is called the bulk phase. The surface phase of a material is an important research area for materials scientists. This is because the surface phase often determines the properties of the material in practical applications.

History

The history of surface engineering can be traced back to the early days of metallurgy, where blacksmiths would heat-treat the surface of their tools to increase their hardness and durability. The development of modern surface engineering techniques, however, began in the late 19th and early 20th centuries with the advent of industrial manufacturing processes.

Principles

Surface engineering involves altering the properties of the Surface Phase in order to reduce wear, corrosion and fatigue, thus increasing the life of the product. It is essentially the sub-discipline of materials science which focuses on the surface of solid matter. Every solid has a bulk material covered by a surface. This surface is often an important research area for materials scientists because it determines the material's properties in practical applications.

Techniques

Surface engineering techniques can be broadly divided into two categories: those that alter the chemical composition of the surface, and those that alter the physical properties of the surface.

Chemical Techniques

Chemical techniques alter the chemical composition of the surface. These techniques include electroplating, electroless plating, and thermal spraying. These techniques can be used to apply a coating of a different material to the surface, or to change the surface's chemical composition through processes such as nitriding or carburizing.

Physical Techniques

Physical techniques alter the physical properties of the surface. These techniques include heat treating, shot peening, and laser peening. These techniques can be used to change the surface's hardness, roughness, or other physical properties.

Applications

Surface engineering techniques are used in a wide range of industries. For example, in the automotive industry, surface engineering is used to reduce wear and tear on engine components. In the electronics industry, surface engineering is used to manufacture semiconductors and other electronic components. In the aerospace industry, surface engineering is used to protect components from the harsh conditions of space.

Future Trends

The future of surface engineering lies in the development of new materials and techniques. For example, nanotechnology is expected to play a significant role in the future of surface engineering. Nanoscale surface engineering techniques can be used to create surfaces with unique properties, such as superhydrophobicity or self-cleaning capabilities.