Surface Treatments

Abstract

Surface treatments and coatings currently constitute one of the essential means of improving the functional properties of metals, in particular resistance to oxidation and corrosion, resistance to fatigue in all its forms (mechanical fatigue, thermal fatigue, surface fatigue), thermal insulation, electrical conductivity, resistance to friction and wear, without forgetting the color and appearance, biocompatibility or adhesion of another class of materials (ceramic or polymer). In 2017, they represented between 8 and 9% of the overall turnover of industrial metalworking subcontracting and up to 15% if we include their share in integrated workshops. Among the different surface treatment processes, it is possible to distinguish four families: structural transformation treatments of mechanical or thermal origin, diffusion or thermochemical treatments, conversion treatments and coatings. The main sectors of activity are automobiles, construction, public works, mechanics, aeronautics and space, weapons, electrical equipment and biomedical. This handout entitled “surface treatments” is intended for first-year Masters in Materials Engineering students. The aim of this handout is to describe the different surface treatments and coatings based on improved functional properties based on numerous industrial examples. The improvement of these properties is directly a function of the internal health of the deposits or surface layers modified by the treatment. The document will address in a final chapter the different means of destructive and non-destructive control. It is written in a simplified manner with examples introduced after having given concepts so that the student can assimilate the course content and have a clear vision of its application in the industrial sector. Dr