Characterization, Testing, and Failure Analysis of Thin Films, Coatings, and Engineered Surfaces
In support of innovations and continuous R&D, product and process improvements across SVC society stake holders and industries, a new session for the SVC TechCon has been added to this year’s program. This new session focuses on thin film, coating, and engineered surface characterization, evaluation and failure analysis. The goal of the session is to provide a forum for attendees to present and exchange technical information related to characterization and evaluation of thin films, coatings and engineered surfaces made through vacuum coating processes. The importance and significance of this session are obvious. First, the various properties of thin films and coatings depend on several factors during preparation. Proper characterization is critical for understanding and further optimization. Second, characterization and testing are essential for intended applications, for meeting product-design specifications, and for ensuring desired interactions with service environments. Third, the lifetime estimates, and failure analysis of thin films and coatings are crucial for avoiding unexpected situations and for identifying root causes of failures.
There are a variety of techniques for analysis, characterization and testing of materials. This session will focus on techniques and applications suitable for thin films, coating and engineered surfaces, with an emphasis on the recent development of the new capabilities, multi-technique approaches, automation, and AI assistance.
Presentation submissions in the following areas and topics are encouraged:
- Physical vapor deposition (PVD) including magnetron sputter-deposition in conventional and non-conventional arrangements,
- Biological compatibility, toxicity, antimicrobial properties,
- Chemical composition, stability and interactions with environments,
- Lifetime estimation and life cycle assessment,
- Mechanical properties, super-hardness and stress evolution,
- Electric and magnetic properties,
- Microstructure, crystallinity, phase composition and porosity,
- Nano/microscale phenomena, organized structures and nanocomposites,
- Optical properties, colors and emissivity,
- Surface and interfacial properties,
- Thermal properties, heat transfer and thermal stability, and
- Tribological properties, wear and adhesion.
This session, through a series of invited talks and contributed presentations, aims to address common questions and challenges faced by researchers, practitioners, and professionals who are in the SVC associated fields. It will provide new insights into the analysis, characterization and testing methods currently available, recently developed and under development for thin films, coatings and engineered surfaces.
Characterization, Testing, and Failure Analysis of Thin Films, Coatings, and Engineered Surfaces TAC Co-Chairs: Matthew Linford, Brigham Young University, mrlinford@chem.byu.edu; Dehau Yang, Ebatco, dyang@ebatco.com; Oleg Zabeida, Polytechnique Montreal, oleg.zabeida@polymtl.ca