The course is aimed at providing the fundamental concepts of surface science (e.g. surface morphology, surface energy, and surface forces), adhesion phenomena, wear mechanisms, friction and lubrication systems. The course is then aimed at describing and explaining important surface treatment processes used in the industrial practice based on wet and dry techniques. For each process, the basic principles, the operating parameters, the industrial equipment, the monitoring methods, the quality control and the industrial applications are discussed, together with the evaluation of imparted surface properties to the bulk material. Surface modification processes at the microscale will be presented in the field of MEMS technology.

Upon completion of the course, the student will

• know the main components of a wet metallization process and its major working parameters and industrial setup;
• know the physical principles, the operating conditions and the control methods of the main industrial processes in the field of Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD);
• know the structure and properties of advanced coatings produced by CVD techniques;
• know the main components of a surface treatment process at the microscale for microelectromechanical systems;
• know and understand the relationship between coating properties and service performance of the coated parts according to friction and wear phenomena;
• be able to apply the above described knowledge for the purpose of selecting a suitable surface treatment to attain the desired properties in industrial applications.

These learning outcomes are expected to provide the students with adequate knowledge tools and critical approach for their future activity related to surface treatment processes based on wet and dry techniques.

·       Fundamentals of surfaces: roughness and spatial parameters, correlations with surface machining, surface forces, mechanisms of adhesion, testing

·       Friction and wear: friction laws, mechanisms of wear, degradation of materials, testing

·       Lubrication: solid and liquid lubricants, types of lubrication, surface adsorption of boundary lubricants

·       Decorative and functional coatings: electrodeposition, electroless deposition, immersion plating, conversion coatings and top coats, CVD techniques, thermal spraying, galvanizing and zinc flakes

·       Anodization of light alloys: hard and soft aluminium anodization, coloring and electrocoloring

·       MEMS and surface micromachining: silicon micromachining, stiction and adhesion phenomena, self-assembled monolayer

A background in chemistry is required.

The examination will be an oral discussion about the course topics, chosen by the examiner so that different parts of the course syllabus are involved.

The student must be also able to clearly describe and critically discuss the proposed topics, highlighting the assumptions, critical points, physical meaning and following consequences, including the mathematical approach where needed. The student should also be able to apply the theoretical knowledge to solving specific problems typically encountered in the industrial practice.