Fundamentals of Surface Engineering: Mechanisms,

Processes and Characterizations

Introduction: Need

DHEERENDRA KUMAR DWIVEDI

MECHANICAL & INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT

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 Surface engineering
• SE is a field related with science &
technology of modifying surface
characteristics as per needs, so to
enhance the life of the engineered
product while operating.
• The need for properties is primarily
dictated by the service conditions
and functionality of the
component.
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Wear in different forms
 Understanding SE
• Surface engineering is an
approach of developing the
surfaces having features different
from that of bulk material for
enhancing the life and
functionality of the engineering
component.

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 Need
• Old and worn out
components
• New component at
manufacturing stage

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 Care needed during SE
• SE should minimize adverse effects of
thermal and mechanical loading (if any)
on the bulk material of the engineering
component to avoid any adverse affect
on load carrying capability of the
engineering component.
• The deterioration in properties of bulk
material is known to take place if there is
prolong exposure to high temperature.
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 Care needed during SE
• For example, long exposure
of components at high
temperature during
carburizing leads to the
coarsening of grain structure
of the steel components,
which in turn deteriorates
toughness

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 Techniques and capabilities for SM
O
A: Ion Implantation, B: PVD,
M
L
N
C: CVD, D:Electrolytic Plating,
K

I
J E: Electro-less Plating,
G
H
F: Hot Dipping (Galvanizing/Aluminizing),
F
G: Laser Surface Alloying,
E

D
H Transformation Hardening,
B
C
I : Mechanical Working, J: Nitriding,
A
K: Carbonitriding, L: Carburizing,
0.00001 0.0001 0.001 0.01 0.1 1 10 100 M: Thermal Spraying,

Thickness (mm)
N: Friction Surfacing,
O: Weld Overlays)
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 Purpose of SE
• Enhancement of the performance of
engineering component with respected
to the following:
• Increase the resistance to corrosion,
wear, oxidation, and sulfidation
• Enhance the mechanical properties,
electrical and electronic properties,
thermal conductivity, and insulation
• Reduce the friction coefficient and
improve lubrication characteristics
• Improve aesthetics characteristics
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 Surface and sub-surface zones
• The surface of any component
made of crystalline materials is
characterized by a) the nature of
surface irregularity which is
quantified in terms of surface
roughness, and b) the sub-surface
region which is generally composed
of the five distinct zones as shown
schematically
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 Sub-surface regions
• Zone I: Comprises a very thin layer
of few nanometers called
contamination layer which retains
absorbed gases, hydrocarbons, and
moisture etc.
• Zone II: Constitutes impurities such
as oxides, nitrides, etc., which are
formed as a result of interactions
between atmospheric or ambient
gases and substrate surface
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 Sub-surface regions
• Zone III: Involves a layer usually thinner
than 1 micrometer with badly damaged
crystalline structure
• Zone IV: Consists of layer of thickness
ranging from few microns to hundreds
of micrometers with grain structure
deformed by the application of external
stresses during manufacturing or
formation of residual stresses
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 Sub-surface regions
• Zone V: Involves normal structure of
bulk materials as per thermal and
mechanical stresses which is
experienced by the material during
manufacturing

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 Properties for SE
• Tribology performance
governing the life of
components subjected to wear
is dictated by various physical,
mechanical, chemical, and
dimensional properties of the
surface materials composing
the engineering component in
question.

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 Properties for SE
• Physical properties: Thermal Conductivity,
Thermal Insulation, Thermal Expansion
Coefficient, Refractoriness, Density, Optical
Properties (absorption or reflection of
radiations)
• Chemical properties: Chemical Affinity,
Corrosion, Oxidation

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 Properties for SE
• Mechanical properties: Hardness,
Strength, Ductility, Fracture
Toughness, Bond Strength, Residual
Stress, Stress Corrosion Cracking,
Hydrogen Embrittlement
• Dimensional properties:
Straightness, Flatness, Roundness,
Surface Roughness, Length etc

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 Example
• The surface properties of any component are solely
determined by its application and purpose (service
conditions), which is ascertained based on the
combination necessary for building the component.
• For example, a combination of toughness and hardness,
corrosion resistance and smoothness will be important
for developing pump parts that have good cavitation
resistance
• Enhancement of the thermal efficiency of heat exchanger
using thermal barrier metal systems at the surface.
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