Research Topics

The current research program focuses on the development of next-generation coatings and multi-functional surfaces. For the last decade, the Laboratory has developed surface solutions built on:

  • High-strength metal matrix composite wear-resistant coatings.
  • Photocatalytic bactericidal coatings.
  • Coatings deposited on temperature-sensitive polymeric materials such as fiber-reinforced polymers and thermoplastics to enhance conductivity.
  • Functional coatings-based heating elements for extreme low-temperature environments.
  • Smart hybrid coating-membrane systems for liquid purification and reclamation.

Thermal Spraying and Coatings Development

Research in thermal spraying in the Advanced Heat Transfer and Surface Technologies Laboratory has focused on the development of advanced functional coatings. Some examples of this research include:

  • Flame spray deposition of metal coatings for Joule heating in anti-icing/de-icing systems.
  • Cold spraying of metal matrix composite coatings for wear resistance in aggressive environments.
  • Development of thermal-sprayed metal coatings for structural health monitoring systems.
  • Coupling of heat transfer analysis with thermal-sprayed coating materials characterization.

Thermal Spray Research and Development in Action

𝐃𝐫. πŒπœπƒπ¨π§πšπ₯𝐝 π…πšπ›π«π’πœπšπ­π’π§π  𝐚 π‚π¨πšπ­π’π§π 
π‡πžπšπ­ π„π±πœπ‘πšπ§π πžπ« πƒπžπ©π¨π¬π’π­π’π¨π§

Predictive Modelling Development

Elements of our research are focused on predictive modelling to assess the performance of novel, next-generation coatings. We develop self-sustained, closed-form mathematical solutions or numerical code to describe wear behavior of coatings, phase change in finite length scales, and predict material properties of coating materials.

𝐌𝐞π₯𝐭𝐒𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐟 𝐈𝐜𝐞 𝐒𝐧 𝐏𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐬

Photo 6 (Melting of ice in pipes) 1 - Copy

Conduction Model of Coating Melting Ice in Pipes

(Int. J. Heat Mass Transfer, 138, 2019, 923)

𝐌𝐞π₯𝐭𝐒𝐧𝐠 π“π’π¦πž 𝐨𝐟 𝐈𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐧 𝐁π₯𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐬

Photo 7 (Melting time of ice on blades) 4

Conduction Model of Ice Melting Time on Composite Blades

(Int. J. Heat Mass Transfer, 97, 2016, 56)

π–πžπšπ« 𝐁𝐞𝐑𝐚𝐯𝐒𝐨𝐫 𝐨𝐟 π‚π¨πšπ­π’π§π π¬

Photo 5 (Wear behavior of coatings)

Predicting wear rate of WC-Ni metal matrix composite coatings

(Wear, 306, 2013, 185)