Recent developments in surface engineering of materials

Engineering approaches to improve surface properties such as surface finish or appearance, hardness or strength, wear resistance, corrosion resistance, environment resistance, and heat resistance have been known since prehistoric times. Most of the recent surface engineering developments discussed in the TMS 2013 symposium are highlighted in the articles published in this JOM issue. These articles represent the current state-of-the-art and indicate emerging areas in surface engineering. Surface engineering is a very active area, introducing regular developments on various fronts, including fundamental research, technology development, and extension in newer applications. The laser heating during cold spraying softens the particles, allowing them to deform and build up a coating at an impact velocity lower than those used in conventional cold spraying.