Advanced Surface Engineering Approaches for Exotic Applications

Selection and classification of suitable materials for exotic applications, including aviation/space, nuclear, oil &gas industries, are still challenging since these applications are typically very demanding in terms of microstructural, mechanical, and electrochemical properties. Surface engineering plays an important role in controlling the properties of the exposed surface, which play key roles in interfacing with another material or exposure to the environment, promoting desirable chemical reactions, and suppression of corrosion. Hence, modification of the surface characteristics of desired materials to the desired depth without altering their bulk properties is essential. The present review focuses on using some of the latest and most advanced surface engineering tool sets such as laser, electron beam (EB), friction stir processing (FSP), ion beam, and plasma immersion ion implantation (PIII). Such techniques provide substantial improvements in wear and corrosion resistance, reduction in frictional losses, increased fatigue life, and enhanced chemical stability at high temperatures for exotic applications.