Sustainable Surface Engineering Techniques: Evaluating the Environmental Footprint of Laser and Electron Beam Methods

Abstract

This study provides an extensive overview of the latest developments in metal surface engineering, including methodologies, characterizations, and applications. The study highlights how important surface engineering is for improving metallic materials’ functionality and performance across a range of sectors. Therefore, a series of techniques are presented in this paper for evaluating design surfaces’ mechanical properties, topological properties, and microstructure. This paper presents a review of current advances in the field, focusing on functionalized surfaces for energy applications, nanostructured coatings for corrosion protection, and biomedical applications of modified surfaces. Since lasers and electron beams are mechanically and tribologically superior, there is a long discussion about their environmental footprint. A special focus in the study is on surface functionalization, nanostructured coatings, corrosion protection, and biological applications, as well as recent developments in the field. The paper also discusses the impact they have on the environment. Surface engineering approaches have long been known to enhance corrosion protection, wear resistance, and component functionality in aerospace, automotive, electronics, and healthcare sectors. Thus, the paper’s conclusion emphasizes that more research and development are needed to overcome constraints and take advantage of emerging trends in surface engineering in order to overcome constraints and take advantage of new trends. The paper provides a solid foundation for future research and development in a range of industries affected by surface engineering.

Keywords

• electron beam melting
• selective laser melting
• microstructure
• sustainability
• environmental impact