This review paper provides a comprehensive overview of selected 3D surface texture parameters defined by ISO 25178-2, with a focus on their metrological aspects in high-resolution measurements using atomic force microscopy (AFM). The parameters Sa, Sz, Sq, Sdq, and Sdr are analyzed in terms of their practical application, sensitivity to measurement conditions, and role in assessing surface functionality. Through a review of the literature and simulations of surface profiles with controlled geometric variations, the study demonstrates how the selected parameters respond to changes in step pitch, step width, slope, and lateral calibration errors. Experimental AFM measurements performed on a certified step height standard further illustrate the impact of calibration on the quality of measurement results. Special emphasis is placed on the importance of evaluating measurement uncertainty. The results confirm the need for rigorous instrument calibration and uncertainty assessment to ensure reliable and comparable surface characterization across different instruments and laboratories.
In this study, different concentrations of aluminium nanoparticles (Al NP) were incorporated into epoxy resin and epoxy paint. Here, we present a detailed systematic study of different methods of incorporating inorganic nanoparticles into epoxy coating. This work aims to obtain an epoxy coating with anticorrosion and antibacterial properties. The physical properties of coatings such as thickness, hardness, colour, and adhesion did not change with the addition of nanoparticles. According to the SEM and EDS analyses, the distribution effect of Al NPs in epoxy coating was better with ultrasonic homogenisation than with mechanical stirring. The EIS and SECM measurements were used to investigate corrosion resistance. The coating with 1.0 wt.% Al NP showed the best physical and chemical properties. SECM examination indicated that nanoparticles in epoxy resin increase the protection efficiency by 25.75% and in the epoxy paint by 40.89%. The results also showed the antibacterial activity of aluminium nanoparticles by inhibiting the growth of biofilm-forming bacteria such as P. aeruginosa and B. subtilis.
This paper provides an overview of key methods for assessing the quality of measurement systems and measurement results. Fundamental concepts are analyzed and their definitions compared across various metrological standards. Particular emphasis is placed on the issue of terminological inconsistency, as the same terms are interpreted differently in different documents, which may lead to misinterpretation or incorrect application of methods. This paper also presents practical examples of how these methods are applied to real data. Clear indications are provided regarding the conditions under which each method is recommended, depending on factors such as model complexity, data availability, and intended application. In addition, it offers a discussion and recommendations for future directions, highlighting the need for harmonized terminology, standardization of evaluation procedures, and the adoption of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning in the assessment of measurement quality.
Nanoparticles are capable of making more durable and stronger materials with better chemical resistance. They are used for a wide range of applications. Likewise, the potential of metal nanoparticles as antimicrobial agents has been widely studied. In this work, we investigate various nanoparticles (Al, Ni, Ag) incorporated into epoxy coating. The anticorrosion and antibacterial properties of the unmodified and modified coatings were evaluated. According to the SEM and EDS analyses, the coating did not contain agglomerates, which confirms the quality of the dispersion of inorganic nanoparticles in the coating. After 24 h and 10days immersions in a 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution, the corrosion behaviour for all nanocomposite was studied by means of EIS investigations. The study included the evaluation of the inhibition zone of the nanoparticles and the antimicrobial properties of the nanocomposite. It was found that the nanoparticles of Al and Ag provide excellent antibacterial properties. The epoxy nanocomposite with Al NP showed the migration of ions in the range from 0.75 to 1 mg/L in a wastewater solution for 30 days, indicating a potential for antimicrobe activity. The 1% Al NP epoxy nanocomposite showed good anticorrosion and antibacterial properties and demonstrated great potential for applications in pipelines.
High-temperature coatings play a crucial role in protecting surfaces exposed to extreme temperatures, corrosion, and other harsh environments. This paper focuses on the physical and chemical properties of solvent-borne and water-borne high-temperature silicone-based polymer coatings applied on two types of surface roughness of carbon steel plates. The corrosion protection performance of the coatings was characterized using a salt spray chamber, humidity chamber, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The physical properties of high-temperature coatings were determined using the Shore D hardness method and cross-cut adhesion tests. This study investigates the effects of different surface preparation methods on coating adhesion, which is considered to be a crucial property of organic coatings for corrosion protection durability. The thermal stability of the coating was tested using furnace cyclic testing. The results show that high-temperature coatings in general exhibit excellent thermal stability, high adhesion strength, and good resistance to warm and humid environments, except in the conditions of a salty atmosphere. This study reveals that coating performance is affected by the composition and surface preparation method. This study can be useful for coating manufacturers and researchers interested in understanding the physical and chemical properties of high-temperature coatings and their applications in various environments.
Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy represents one of the most advanced high-resolution techniques that enables detailed monitoring of electrochemical processes, with a particular focus on corrosion phenomena. Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy has become an indispensable tool in studying the behavior and degradation of protective coatings exposed to aggressive environmental conditions. This technique allows researchers to precisely track local electrochemical reactions on material surfaces, providing valuable information about the stability and effectiveness of coatings. Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy enables the detection of localized current variations in the pA–nA range, allowing the identification of microdefects with nanometric width. In this paper, the basic principles of Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy operation are first presented, including a description of the device. The method of scanning the electrode is discussed through the modes and their interpretation of the obtained data for systems with protective anticorrosive coatings. Furthermore, Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy techniques enable a detailed study of the mechanisms and kinetics of new, modified coatings, which is especially significant in the case of nanoparticle-enriched coatings. Such modifications often enhance the protective properties of materials, and Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy allows monitoring of their performance under real conditions, providing insight into local electrochemical changes that are otherwise difficult to detect with standard methods. Special attention is given to the challenges researchers may encounter during experiments, such as calibration prior to measurement, interpretation of input parameters, and signal analysis. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the capabilities and limitations of Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy (SECM), emphasizing its importance as a tool for the development and optimization of new, high-performance coatings for industrial applications and scientific research.