In recent years, alloy and alloy-ceramic coatings have gained a considerable attention owing to their favorable physicochemical and technological properties. In this review, we investigate Ni, NiCo alloy and NiCo–ceramic composite coatings prepared by electrodeposition. Electrodeposition is a versatile tool and cost-effective electrochemical method used to produce high quality metal coatings. Surface finish and tribological properties of the coatings can be further improved by the addition of suitable agents and control of deposition operating conditions. In this review, Ni, NiCo alloy and NiCo–ceramic composite coatings prepared by electrodeposition are reviewed by critically evaluating previous researches. The use of the coatings and their potential for future research and development are discussed.

Among different thermal spraying methods, arc-spraying has been widely used due to its low operating costs and high deposition efficiency. The rapid progress of cored wire technology in arc-spraying has increased possibilities for the preparation of new Fe-based coating materials with enhanced properties by adding reinforcement particles and alloying elements to suit the different applications. Fe-based coatings have been extensively used because of their high strength, toughness, lower production costs, and availability of raw materials. This makes them suitable replacements for Ni-based coatings in ambient and high-temperature applications. This review discusses the research status and developments of the arc-sprayed Fe-based coatings. The study specifically reviews the wear behavior, corrosion analysis, and high-temperature resistant properties of arc-sprayed Fe-based coatings, aiming to develop an understanding of the protection mechanisms for Fe-based coatings. The performance of the Fe-based coatings depends on the integrity of the coating structure. Optimizing arc-spraying parameters minimizes defects (pores, grain boundaries, unmelted particles, oxides, and microcracks) that deteriorate the coating properties. High amorphous phase content, ceramic reinforcement particles and alloying elements enhance the corrosion, tribological, and high-temperature resistant properties of Fe-based coatings. In high-temperature applications, Fe-based coatings form oxide scales that protect the coating from further oxidation; thus, it is important to select the optimum composition for the alloying elements.

In this study, a grit-blasting pretreatment was used to improve the adhesion, corrosion resistance and microhardness of Ni-W/SiC nanocomposite coatings fabricated using the conventional electrodeposition technique. Prior to deposition, grit blasting and polishing (more commonly used) pretreatments were used to prepare the surface of the substrate and the 3D morphology of the pretreated substrates was characterized using laser scanning confocal microscopy. The coating surface and the cross-section morphology were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The chemical composition, crystalline structure, microhardness, adhesion and corrosion behavior of the deposited coatings were characterized using energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), a microhardness tester, a scratch tester and an electrochemical workstation, respectively. The results indicated that the grit blasting and SiC addition improved the microhardness, adhesion and corrosion resistance. The Ni-W/SiC nanocomposites pretreated by grit blasting exhibited the best adhesion strength, up to 36.5 ± 0.75 N. Its hardness was the highest and increased up to 673 ± 5.47 Hv and its corrosion resistance was the highest compared to the one pretreated by polishing.

In this study, Ni–Co–P–BN(h)–Al₂O₃ binary nanocomposite coatings were fabricated on steel C1045 substrates by jet electrodeposition. The samples were then processed using self-made laser processing equipment to investigate the influence of long-pulse laser processing parameters variation on samples’ surface morphology, roughness and wettability. Additionally, the properties of samples before and after laser processing were analyzed and characterized. The results showed that the surface morphologies, surface roughness and wettability of samples were affected by laser output power, pulse width and spot-to-spot distance variation. A convex dome was formed on the samples’ surface at a low laser output power and a suitable pulse width, while a dimple was formed on the samples’ surface at a high laser output power. The surface roughness and water contact angle of samples increased with the rise in laser output power or pulse width. The water contact angle decreased with the rise in the spot-to-spot distance, and the water contact angle reached a maximum value of 139.8° with a laser output power of 50 W, a pulse width of 100 µs and a spot-to-spot distance of 150 µm. The samples after laser processing exhibited a higher wettability, microhardness and wear resistance compared to those of the normal samples. The microhardness of the heat-affected zone reached a maximum value of 812.1 HV_0.1, and the wear scar width of the samples reached a minimum value of 360.5 µm. However, after laser processing, the samples’ seawater corrosion resistance decreased slightly.

In this study, grit blasting pretreatment was used to improve the adhesion and corrosion resistance and microhardness of Ni-W/SiC nanocomposite coatings fabricated using conventional electrodeposition technique. Prior to deposition, grit blasting and polishing (more commonly used) pretreatment were used to prepare the surface of the substrate and the 3D morphology of the pretreated substrates was characterized using laser scanning confocal microscopy. The coatings surface and the cross section morphology were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The chemical composition, crystalline structure, microhardness, adhesion, and the corrosion behavior of the deposited coatings were characterized using energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), microhardness tester, scratch tester and electrochemical workstation, respectively. The results indicated that the grit blasting and SiC addition, improved the microhardness, adhesion and corrosion resistance. The Ni-W-SiC nanocomposites pretreated by grit blasting exhibited the best adhesion strength, up to 36.5 ± 0.75 N. Its hardness was the highest and increased up to 673 ± 5.47Hv and its corrosion resistance was the highest compared to the one pretreated by polishing.

Mucuna seeds, once largely neglected, are gradually being incorporated into the diets of some communities in Benin because of their high protein content. However, their utilization is constrained by the presence of antinutritional compounds, particularly L-Dopa, which may pose health risks if not adequately reduced during processing. Traditional processors employ various processing methods to detoxify the seeds, but the safety of the resulting foods prepared from different Mucuna varieties has not been fully established. This study aimed to evaluate the L-Dopa and tannin contents of the major traditional Mucuna-based foods in Benin in relation to their processing methods. A total of 84 processors and consumers were interviewed to document Mucuna processing practices and consumption patterns. Subsequently, 10 Mucuna-based food samples were collected and analysed for L-Dopa using the USP–NF 2022, Issue 1 method, while total tannins were determined using the Folin–Ciocalteu method. The results showed that Mucuna processing and consumption were infrequent, occurring mainly once per quarter, with Ata, Afitin, and Abobo being the principal traditional products. Raw white- and black-seeded Mucuna contained 4.6% and 5.0% L-Dopa, respectively. Following processing, L-Dopa contents decreased markedly, ranging from 0.002% to 3.0% depending on the product. Abobo and Afitin contained residual L-Dopa levels below the 1.0% safety threshold, whereas Ata exceeded this limit. Tannin contents in processed products ranged from 0.033 to 0.841 mg tannic acid equivalents/g, indicating substantial reductions following soaking, cooking with water renewal, roasting, and fermentation. Overall, traditional processing methods effectively ensured the safety of Abobo and Afitin, whereas further optimization is required for Ata. These findings provide evidence-based guidance for improving traditional Mucuna processing practices and support the safe utilization of this underutilized legume to enhance dietary diversification and household food security in Benin and similar settings. Asian Australas. J. Food Saf. Secur. 2026, 10(2), 64-76