Hybrid Surface Treatment Technologies Based on the Electrospark Alloying Method: A Review
Source abstract
Abstract
Technologies for functional coatings are evolving rapidly, with electrospark alloying (ESA) emerging as a promising method for surface modification due to its efficiency and localized impact. This review analyzes the fundamental principles of ESA and the effects of process parameters on coating characteristics and highlights its advantages and limitations. Particular attention is given to hybrid ESA-based technologies, including combinations with laser treatment, plastic deformation, vapor deposition, and polymer-metal overlays. These hybrid methods significantly improve coating quality by enhancing hardness, adhesion, and structural integrity and reducing roughness and defects. However, the multi-parameter nature of these processes presents optimization challenges. This review identifies knowledge gaps related to process reproducibility, control of microstructure formation, and long-term performance under service conditions. Recent breakthroughs in combining ESA with high-energy surface treatments are discussed. Future research should focus on systematic parameter optimization, in situ diagnostics, and predictive modeling to enable the design of application-specific hybrid coatings.
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Research context
OpenAlex topics: Surface Treatment and Coatings · Engineering Technology and Methodologies
SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.
Affiliations
Department of Experimental Mechanics, Institute of Fundamental Technological Research Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawińskiego 5B, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
Applied Material Science and Technology of Constructional Materials Department, Sumy State University, Kharkivska 116, 40007 Sumy, Ukraine
Technical Service Department, Sumy National Agrarian University, H. Kondratiieva 160, 40021 Sumy, Ukraine
Funding
Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine
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