Mechanical Properties and Structural Analysis of Coatings and Engineered Surfaces

The performance improvement in engineering components during operation is a challenging issue and surface engineering methods have been attracting considerable interest in both research and industrial fields. Surface characteristics have a pivotal role in enhancing the life of products since they control the mechanical, electrical, thermal, and electronic properties. Nevertheless, the surface and near-surface properties are crucial in failure mechanisms since the loss of performance and failures mostly begin from the surface. In this framework, this Special Issue includes original research papers and a review that covers the latest development in methods for enhancing the life and functionality of engineering components by tuning the physical, chemical, mechanical, and metallurgical properties of their surfaces. Attention is focused on processing and characterizing methods capable of supporting industrial applications and products to both tackle surface degradation and improve the performance and reliability of components.