Latest Academic Works
Deposition and protection mechanisms of zirconium conversion coatings on aluminium alloy, steel and zinc substrates
This thesis focuses on the development and optimisation of zirconium conversion coatings (ZrCCs) on cold-rolled steel (CRS), zinc (Zn), and aluminium alloy AA5754 substrates through a multidimensional approach. The utilization of statistical tools, specifically response surface methodology (RSM), enabled the assessment of the individual and mutual effects of various parameters …
Optimization of ToF-SIMS depth profiling in low-pressure H2, C2H2, CO and O2 atmosphere
Time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) is a versatile analytical method widely used in the field of surface science and thin films. Although it gives elemental, molecular, and isotopic information, it has a very low detection limit and high lateral resolution, is fast and works with all the vacuum-compatible samples, …
Mechanisms and Effect of Deep Cryogenic Treatment on Steel Properties
Deep cryogenic treatment (DCT) is a type of cryogenic treatment, during which a material is subjected to temperatures below −160 °C. When a metallic material is modified with DCT, changes occur down to the nanoscopic level. DCT induces microstructural changes such as grain size refinement, formation of new grains, movement …
Protection of biomedical alloys by thin films of alumina and hafnia prepared by atomic layer deposition
One of the most commonly used metal materials for the manufacture of biomedical implants are stainless steel and titanium-based alloys. Due to the specific conditions and complex environment in the human body, different strategies have been employed to protect them and improve their functionality in vivo. In this thesis, a …
Synergistic action of organic inhibitors to mitigate corrosion of aluminium, copper and aluminium-copper alloy in chloride solution
The inhibitory action of organic compounds, 2-mercaptobenzimidazole (MBI), octylphosphonic acid (OPA) and their binary combinations was studied on aluminium, copper and aluminium alloy (AA) 2024 in chloride environments by ex-situ conventional electrochemical methods and surface-analytical techniques. In addition, the influence of pre-treatment of the metal surface and the choice of …
Processing of heavy-rare-earth-lean Nd-Fe-B permanent magnets for high-temptrature applications
Permanent magnets are materials that generate a magnetic field in free space without electricity or other external energy sources. They are essential components of modern technologies, used in many electrical devices. Nowadays, they are included in technology for renewable sources of energy, such as electrical vehicles, generators and wind turbines. …
Development of coatings on Ti6Al4V alloy for new generation bone implants with improved osseointegration
The aging of bone tissue, bone defects that form during the removal of cysts, tumours, genetic defects and other bone‐tissue‐related diseases, together with demands for a better quality of life, mean a requirement for materials, artificial or autogenous, that will have a long functionality and survivability under the body’s environmental …
Laser Ablation - Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (LA-ICPMS) - Fundamental Study of Ablation and Deposition Processes
Laser ablation (LA) is a versatile technique that can be used for the elemental analysis of diverse materials as well as for synthesis purposes, i.e. for pulsed laser deposition (PLD) of a wide range of materials. Analysis and synthesis will only be successful if the ablated material can be stoichiometrically …
Microstructural investigations of rare-earth transition-metal-based magnetocaloric materials for near-room-temperature applications
Magnetocaloric materials are promising materials for magnetic refrigerators which would substitute present compressor refrigerators. They work on the principle of the magnetocaloric effect (MCE), where the magnetocaloric material increases its temperature when exposed to an external magnetic field. These new type of refrigerators are energetically more efficient and environmentally friendly. …
Ion Beam Modification of Surfaces in the Nanoscale Domain
Ion beam sputtering induces morphological as well as compositional changes on the surfaces of ion-sputtered substrates. The surface undergoes kinetic processes, which lead to different morphological details: periodic ripples, substrate-defined etch pits or protuberant structures, roughening and smoothing are some possibilities for surface evolution. The aim of my doctoral dissertation …