Research into the high-temperature oxidation of bond coats and the capabilities of analytical scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) in investigating oxidation mechanisms was presented by Dr Radosław Swadźba at the 2nd International Conference on Surface Science, Engineering & Technology (SSET-2026), held in Manchester from 6 to 9 October 2026.
Advanced Electron Microscopy in the Study of Protective Coatings
At SSET-2026, Dr Radosław Swadźba presented research findings on the high-temperature oxidation of bond coats produced using diffusion and physical vapour deposition (PVD) techniques. Particular attention was given to the capabilities of analytical scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) in examining changes in the microstructure and chemical composition of coatings during oxidation.
This research is important for improving the understanding of the degradation mechanisms affecting protective coatings operating at high temperatures. The findings contribute to the development of advanced materials designed to withstand demanding operating conditions.
International Research Collaboration within the TBC4H2 Project
The presented findings form part of the TBC4H2 project, “Thermal Barrier Coatings for greener heat-to-power applications: understanding limits of operation under hydrogen combustion and sustainable outlook.” The project focuses on understanding the operational limits of thermal barrier coatings under hydrogen combustion conditions and exploring their potential in more sustainable energy technologies.
The project brings together an international research consortium involving partners from Poland, Germany and France. Co-authors of the presented research include representatives of the Silesian University of Technology, Łukasiewicz – Upper Silesian Institute of Technology, Avio Polska, Fraunhofer IWS, Centre des Matériaux at Mines Paris PSL, and the German Aerospace Center (DLR).
Participation in SSET-2026 provided an opportunity to present the project’s research outcomes to the international scientific community, exchange expertise and discuss advances in surface engineering, advanced materials and coating technologies.
Project Funding
The TBC4H2 project was selected under the M-ERA.NET 3 Joint Transnational Call 2022. It is co-funded by the Saxon State Ministry for Science, Culture and Tourism (SMWK), the National Centre for Research and Development (NCBR), and the French National Research Agency (ANR).
The project contributes to advancing knowledge of protective coating durability and supporting the development of future energy technologies.
Further information on the TBC4H2 project can be found on the project website, which is part of the M-ERA.NET programme.
