The aim of the presented investigations was to deposit the thin films La_1−xSr_xFeO₃ (x = 0, 0.1, 0.2) on (100) Si substrate by using the Pulsed Laser Deposition (PLD) method. Structure was exanimated by using XRD, SEM, AFM, TEM and XPS methods. The catalytic properties were analyzed in 4 ppm acetone atmosphere. The doping of Sr thin films La_1−xSr_xFeO₃ (x = 0, 0.1, 0.2) resulted in a decrease in the size of the crystallites, the volume of the elemental cell and change in the grain morphology. In the LaFeO₃ and La_0.9Sr_0.1FeO₃, clusters around which small grains grow are visible in the structure, while in the layer La_0.8Sr_0.2FeO₃, the visible grains are elongated. The TEM analysis has shown that the obtained thin films had a thickness in the range 150–170 nm with triangular or flat column ends. The experiment performed in the presence of gases allowed us to conclude that the surfaces (101/020) in the triangle-shaped columns and the plane (121/200) faces in flat columns were exposed to gases. The best properties in the presence of CH₃COCH₃ gas were noted for LaFeO₃ thin film with triangle columns ending with orientation (101/020).

In this work, sulfonated polyetheretherketone (S-PEEK)-based coatings, nanocrystalline ZnS and hydroxyapatite (n-HA) particles were developed on Zr-2.5Nb zirconium alloy substrates by electrophoretic deposition (EPD) combined with subsequent heat treatment. The properties of suspensions and deposition kinetics were studied. Cationic chitosan polyelectrolyte ensured the stabilization of the suspension and allowed for the co-deposition of all coating components on the cathode. The heating of the coated samples at a temperature of 450 °C and slow cooling resulted in sulfonation of the PEEK and the formation of dense coatings. The coatings were characterized by high roughness, hardness, modulus of elasticity and adhesion strength. The coatings revealed mild hydrophilicity, improved the electrochemical corrosion resistance of the alloy and induced the formation of hydroxyapatite with a cauliflower-like morphology on its surface during the Kokubo test. This work explored the great development potential of advanced sulfonated PEEK-based coatings, incorporating antibacterial and bioactive components by EPD combined with heat treatment to stimulate the surface properties of zirconium alloy for prospective dental and orthopedic applications. The antibacterial and osteoconductive properties of the obtained coatings should be further investigated.

TiB₂-based coatings have been intensively developed due to their physical and mechanical properties, including excellent thermal stability and high hardness with good abrasion and corrosion resistance, which appear to be the most beneficial in industrial application. Previous investigations have shown that doping TiB₂ with W, Ni and C can significantly reduce residual stresses and improve adhesion, making these coatings ideal on tools to machining aluminum alloys. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of an Cr interlayer on the durability (adhesion) of the fabricated Ti_1−x Cr _x B₂ (x = 0; 0.03; 0.06; 0.10) films and determine the influence of Cr on their microstructure and mechanical properties. The structural characterization of Ti_1−x Cr _x B₂ coatings was carried out using X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. To investigate the mechanical properties, nano-scratch and—hardness tests (NST, NHT) were performed, and fracture toughness of the substrate layer systems was determined. The use of an adhesive layer of pure Cr increased the adhesion of the coatings to the substrate. It is shown that the changes in Cr content not only affect the microstructure, mainly by decreasing the crystallite size (column width), but also the texture (preferred film orientation) and phase composition. The addition of chromium also has an effect on the mechanical properties of TiB₂ films by reducing their hardness and Young’s modulus and increasing their fracture toughness (K _IC).

This study investigates the structural and catalytic properties of pure and Sr-doped LaCoO₃ and LaFeO₃ thin films for potential use as resistive gas sensors. Thin films were deposited via pulsed laser deposition (PLD) and characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), nanoindentation, and scratch tests. XRD analysis confirmed the formation of the desired perovskite phases without secondary phases. XPS revealed the presence of La³⁺, Co³⁺/Co⁴⁺, Fe³⁺/Fe⁴⁺, and Sr²⁺ oxidation states. SEM and AFM imaging showed compact, nanostructured surfaces with varying morphologies (shape and size of surface irregularities) depending on the composition. Sr doping led to surface refinement and increased nanohardness and adhesion. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis confirmed the columnar growth of nanocrystalline films. Sr-doped LaCoO₃ demonstrated enhanced sensitivity and stability in the presence of NO₂ gas compared to pure LaCoO₃, as evidenced by electrical resistivity measurements within 230 ÷ 440 °C. At the same time, it was found that Sr doping stabilizes the catalytic activity of LaFeO₃ (in the range of 300 ÷ 350 °C), although its behavior in the presence of NO₂ differs from that of LaCo(Sr)O₃—especially in terms of response and recovery times. These findings highlight the potential of Sr-doped LaCoO₃ and LaFeO₃ thin films for NO₂ sensing applications.

The aim of this work was to determine the influence of the tungsten addition to TiB₂ coatings on their microstructure and brittle cracking resistance. Four coatings of different compositions (0, 7, 15, and 20 at.% of W) were deposited by magnetron sputtering from TiB₂ and W targets. The coatings were investigated by the following methods: X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). All coatings had a homogeneous columnar structure with decreasing column width as the tungsten content increased. XRD and XPS analysis showed the presence of TiB₂ and nonstoichiometric TiBx phases with an excess or deficiency of boron depending on composition. The crystalline size decreased from 27 nm to 10 nm with increasing W content. The brittle cracking resistance improved with increasing content of TiBx phase with deficiency of B and decreasing crystalline size.