This article presents an in-depth analysis of the application of thermal deposition techniques, in particular thermal spraying, to improve the properties of materials used in agricultural components that work the soil, such as agricultural plows (mainshare and foreshare). Due to the difficult operating conditions, characterized by abrasive wear, mechanical shocks, and chemical exposure from various soils, these surface coatings aim to increase the durability and corrosion resistance of the materials of components intended for working with the soil. The study investigates thermal deposition methods and their effects on the microstructure, hardness, and friction resistance of the obtained layers. The study highlights experiments that reveal significant improvements in mechanical properties, highlighting superior behavior in real conditions of agricultural use. Nevertheless, soil types significantly influence the abrasive wear rate of the components and also their corrosion, which depends on the soil pH. The results confirm that the use of thermal deposition represents a sustainable and effective solution for extending the life of plows, thus reducing maintenance costs and increasing the efficiency of agricultural processes. This research contributes to the optimization of agricultural equipment, providing an innovative approach for adapting plows to the increasing demands of agricultural exploitation.

In the Republic of Moldova, orchard biomass represents an important resource for the production of densified solid biofuels, with peach having the highest sustainable energy potential (33.5 ± 6.54 GJ·ha⁻¹). However, the quality of solid biofuels derived from orchard biomass is often constrained by heterogeneity in moisture content, uneven particle size distribution, and inadequate drying or blending practices along the supply chain. Optimizing the solid biofuel supply chain is therefore essential to minimize feedstock variability, ensure consistent densification quality, and reduce production costs. The aim of this study was to improve the process of producing densified solid biofuels from orchard biomass. Specifically, the study investigated how raw material moisture and particle size influence briquette density and durability, and how ternary mixtures of peach biomass, wheat straw, and sunflower residues can be optimized for enhanced energy performance. All experimental determinations were performed using validated methods and calibrated equipment. The results showed that optimal performance is achieved by shredding the biomass with 4–8 mm sieves and maintaining the moisture content between 6 and 14%, resulting in briquettes with the density of 1.00–1.05 g·cm⁻³, ash content below 3–5%, and an energy yield of 18.4–19.2 MJ·kg⁻¹. Ternary diagrams confirmed the decisive role of peach lignocellulosic residues in achieving high density, low ash content, and increased energy yield, while wheat straw and sunflower residues can be used in controlled proportions to diversify resources and reduce costs. These findings provide quantitative insights into how mixture formulation and process parameters influence the briquette quality, contributing to the optimization of solid biofuel supply chains for orchard and agricultural residues. Overall, this study demonstrates that competitive solid biofuels can be produced through careful balancing of mixture composition and optimization of technological parameters, offering practical guidelines for sustainable bioenergy development in regions with abundant orchard residues.

This paper presents experimental investigations carried out on components belonging to agricultural plough assemblies, which undergo significant mechanical loading during soil tillage operations. Due to severe operating conditions, ploughs are subjected to abrasive wear and impact stresses, so that enhancing these properties translates into improved performance, accompanied by a lower failure rate and, consequently, reduced downtime in agricultural activity. In order to upgrade the material properties of the active parts that come into direct and sustained contact with the soil—and which are therefore most vulnerable to degradation—surface thermal coatings were applied by means of Atmospheric Plasma Spray (APS) deposition, with the aim of extending service performance and component lifespan. The mechanical properties of the deposited coatings were assessed through hardness testing (approx. 204 HV) and microscratch behaviour evaluation (COF > 1). In addition, microstructural examinations were conducted using scanning electron microscopy to characterise the surface condition following the thermal deposition process. The findings confirm that thermal coatings represent a viable technical solution, enabling not only the improvement of plough component properties, but also the possibility of reconditioning worn parts by compensating, through thermal deposition, for the material loss caused by soil-induced wear during field operation.