International Scientific Journals
of Scientific Technical Union of Mechanical Engineering "Industry 4.0"

In the present study, multicomponent Zr–Ti–Sm–Nd–Al oxide coatings were successfully synthesized via the sol–gel method and deposited on glass substrates using the dip-coating technique. The preparation procedure involved the formation of stable precursor sols and oxides based on zirconium, titanium, samarium, neodymium, and aluminum compounds, followed by controlled hydrolysis, aging, multilayer deposition, and thermal treatment at 430 °C. The obtained coatings were investigated with respect to their structural, compositional, and optical properties using X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF), and UV–VIS–NIR spectroscopy. The experimental results demonstrated the successful formation of uniform and transparent oxide layers with thicknesses ranging from approximately 39 to 57 nm, depending on the number of deposited layers. XRD analysis revealed the presence of nanocrystalline monoclinic ZrO2 as the dominant crystalline phase, while no separate crystalline phases related to Ti, Sm, Nd, or Al oxides were detected, suggesting homogeneous incorporation of the dopants into the oxide matrix. Optical characterization showed high transmittance in the visible and near-infrared spectral regions, close to that of the untreated glass substrate, indicating the suitability of the coatings for optical and photovoltaic applications. The incorporation of rare-earth and aluminum-containing species contributes to improved structural stability and functional performance of the coatings. The obtained results confirm that the combined sol–gel and dip-coating approach is an effective route for the fabrication of multifunctional transparent oxide coatings with potential application as durable self-cleaning and protective layers for photovoltaic panels and related optical systems.

Based on waste biogenic calcium carbonate CaCO3 and silicon dioxide SiO2, polyphase materials with a predominant content of calcium silicate phases and a limited presence of silicon dioxide were synthesized in laboratory conditions. When preparing the experimental samples, solid-phase synthesis and thermal treatment modes with a maximum temperature of up to 1300oC were used. During the X-ray phase analysis of the obtained experimental samples, the presence of Ca3(SiO3)3 pseudowollastonite (dominant phase) was registered, β-Ca2SiO4 and SiO2 cristobalite. The main possibilities for further expedient modification of the used technological regimes are analyzed. The prospects for potential application of the synthesized phases for the preparation of various functional materials are considered. The study is consistent with modern trends in the use of technological approaches that allow the utilization of waste materials.

The emission spectrum of the ZrO2–TiO2–Al2O3–Sm2O3 coating was recorded at different excitation wavelengths. Under UV excitation (λₑₓ = 354 nm), broad band with a maximum around 420–440 nm was observed and can be associated with oxygen vacancies in ZrO2 together with Ti³⁺ centers. Weakly intense and narrower emission bands at 600 nm and 647 nm are assigned to the 5G5/2  7H7/2 and 5G5/2  7H9/2 transitions of Sm3+ ions. Under excitation with 404 nm the emission is dominated by defect levels in the oxide coating. The values of the chromaticity coordinates of the coating excited under 354 nm correspond to the pale pink color of emission (0.252, 0.272) and under 404 nm has orange color of emission (0.353, 0.370).

In this study, gelatin-SiO2 hybrid coatings were prepared on glass substrates using an acid-catalyzed sol-gel method. The deposited layers were subjected to thermal treatment at 50°C, 150°C, and 250°C to evaluate the effect of temperature on their structure and optical properties. Spectroscopic investigations in the UV-VIS-NIR range show that the hybrid coatings enhance optical transmittance and reduce reflective losses compared to uncoated glass. The best optical performance was observed for the sample thermally treated at 150 °C (GS 150), where an optimal balance between the organic (gelatin) and inorganic (SiO2) phases was achieved, resulting in maximum transmittance and minimal light reflection. At lower treatment temperatures (50°C), the coating exhibited higher porosity but lower structural stability, whereas at higher temperatures (250°C), partial thermal degradation of the gelatin phase led to layer densification and a slight reduction in the antireflective effect. These results demonstrate that gelatin can be successfully used as a biopolymer component to control the microstructure and optical properties of sol-gel hybrid coatings. Improving optical transmittance and reducing reflective losses of glass surfaces is crucial for enhancing photovoltaic module efficiency, as it allows a greater amount of solar radiation to reach the active layer of solar cells.

Spectroscopic ellipsometry was applied to study the optical properties of Ti–6Al–4V alloy before and after anodization in acetic acid electrolyte. The main findings can be summarized as follows: The ellipsometric spectra of the uncoated alloy were successfully modeled using a multi-Lorentz oscillator approach with MSE values of 20–26, and surface roughness ranging from 17 to 52 nm. Anodized surfaces exhibited distinct interference features, confirming the formation of a transparent oxide layer. The optical modeling revealed increased surface roughness and modified optical constants due to the formation of a TiO₂ -based film with amorphous–anatase character. The applied ellipsometric methodology proved reliable for evaluating the thickness and optical properties of anodic oxide films on titanium alloys. These results form the basis for future quantitative analysis of anodic oxide thickness and refractive index as functions of anodizing parameters, which is important for optimizing the surface properties of titanium alloys in biomedical, protective, and optical applications.

This work presents an overview of sol–gel-derived oxide materials and their relevance to optical, photonic and photovoltaic applications, followed by an experimental study of ZrO₂–Al₂O₃–Sm₂O₃ thin films deposited on glass substrates. Historical developments of the sol–gel process, beginning with early investigations on silica gels in the 19th century, are outlined together with advancements in optical glasses, anti-reflective coatings, and rare-earth-doped systems. Recent progress in functional materials—including boron-, tellurium- and rare-earth-containing glasses, luminescent oxide systems, and sol–gel-derived zirconia-based coatings—is discussed to highlight their structural, optical and radiation-shielding capabilities.
In the present study, multilayer ZrO₂–Al₂O₃–Sm₂O₃ coatings were prepared via the sol–gel method combined with dip-coating, and subsequently thermally treated at 420 °C. Optical characterization (UV–VIS–NIR) revealed changes in transmittance and reflectance linked to film composition and thickness, while X-ray diffraction confirmed their predominantly amorphous structure at the applied heat-treatment temperature. SEM and EDS analyses provided insight into surface morphology and elemental distribution within the films. The results demonstrate that increasing Al₂O₃ content influences coating porosity and thickness, while Sm₂O₃ contributes luminescent functionality and potential reduction of optical reflection in key solar spectral regions. These findings indicate that ZrO₂–Al₂O₃–Sm₂O₃ thin films are promising candidates for protective and functional coatings in photovoltaic applications, where enhanced light harvesting and improved surface properties are essential.

Corrosion remains a major limitation for the long-term use of aluminum alloys such as A356, particularly in chloride-rich environments. Although traditional chromate coatings provide effective protection, their toxicity necessitates environmentally friendly alternatives. In this study, a composite ZrO2–Al2O3–Sm2O3 coating was synthesized via a sol-gel method and deposited on A356 alloy using dip-coating. The precursor system was formulated from zirconyl chloride, samarium oxide, and aluminum oxide, stabilized with acetylacetone and acetic acid at pH 0.5 to ensure homogeneous film formation. The coated samples were thermally treated at 400 °C to obtain dense oxide layers. Corrosion resistance was assessed under neutral salt spray conditions (5% NaCl, 35 °C, 648 h) according to BDS EN ISO 9227:2023. Comparison between uncoated A356, binary Al–Zr (ADZ), and ternary Sm–Al–Zr (SADZ) coatings demonstrated a clear performance improvement with increasing film complexity. While ADZ coatings reduced surface damage relative to the bare alloy, the SADZ films exhibited the lowest amount of corrosion products, minimal surface darkening, and significantly reduced pitting. The enhanced performance is attributed to the synergistic effect of the three oxides: ZrO₂ provides chemical stability, Al2O3 increases layer density, and Sm₂O₃ contributes active corrosion inhibition.
Overall, the ZrO2–Al2O3–Sm2O3 composite film offers a promising non-chromate protective system for improving the long-term corrosion resistance of A356 aluminum alloy.

A survey of the prevailing trends in the field of quartz ceramics has been carried out. The article examines the main technological stages characteristic of the synthesis of quartz ceramics and the production of various product categories. The main technological stages characteristic of the synthesis of quartz ceramics and the production of various categories of products have been presented. The technological conditions applicable to the processing of raw materials, the preparation of suspensions with optimal characteristics, the molding of blanks and the heat treatment of semi-finished products have been examined. The role and influence of various technological factors in the formation of the structural characteristics and operational indicators of the products have been analyzed.

Obtained experimental self-cleaning coatings (based on compositions with the participation of Sm2O3), applied by the sol-gel method on glass slides. This study attempts to improve the overall efficiency of a photovoltaic solar panel by using a Sm2O3 doped ZrO2 (SDZ)-based coating. The optical characterization and phase composition of the obtained experimental samples were investigated using UVVIS- NIR, XRD and XRF methods. The coatings are nanocrystalline according to XRD and XRF analyzes and show transmittance close to that of pure glass when tested with a UV–VIS–NIR spectrophotometer The experimental results represent a prerequisite for the development of a series of additional compositions and a detailed technological regime for obtaining various modifications of resistant, long-lasting selfcleaning coatings, potentially applicable to photovoltaic panels.

The efficiency of photovoltaic (PV) systems is significantly influenced by surface contamination, which can reduce light transmission and energy conversion performance. In this study, self-cleaning nanostructured coatings based on titanium dioxide (TiO₂ ), zirconium dioxide (ZrO₂ ), and their doped and composite variants (with Y₂ O₃ and Eu₂ O₃ ) were synthesized using the sol-gel method and applied to photovoltaic glass substrates. The coatings were characterized in terms of their optical transmittance, surface morphology (AFM), wettability (contact angle), and crystallographic properties (XRD). Results indicate that TiO₂ coatings offer superior superhydrophilic behavior, while stabilized ZrO₂ -based composites show excellent transparency, surface homogeneity, and long-term durability. Eu₂ O₃ -doped coatings exhibit additional luminescent functionalities, potentially useful for photonic enhancement. These findings highlight the potential of sol-gel coatings in improving PV panel performance via integrated passive cleaning mechanisms and multifunctional surface engineering.

Thin coatings of aluminum oxide (Al2O3), zirconium oxide (ZrO2) and samarium oxide (Sm2O3) on aluminum alloy Al7SiMg (A356) were prepared by sol-gel method and immersion technique. The materials were characterized in detail by X-ray diffraction. The luminescent properties at room temperature were also investigated. Luminescence analysis showed that the Al2O3 coating containing ZrO2 exhibits broad excitation and emission bands, peaking at 328 nm and 392 nm, respectively. Photoluminescence data for the Al2O3 coating containing ZrO2 and Sm2O3 indicated effective excitation at 404 nm and strong broadband emission, which is due to the co-emission of ZrO2 and Sm2O3. Chromaticity coordinate analysis revealed that Al2O3 coating containing ZrO2 and Al2O3 coating containing ZrO2 and Sm₂ O₃ emit in the blue-purple and pale pink regions, respectively.The chromaticity coordinates, color purity and CIE (Commission Internationale de L’Eclairage) color-correlated temperature were determined.

Thin coatings of zirconia oxide (ZrO2) and samarium oxide (Sm2O3) on glass have been prepared by using sol-gel method and dip coating technique. Materials were characterized in detail by X-ray diffraction. The luminescent properties at room temperature were also investigated. Excitation and emission spectra of ZrO2 coating consists of broad bands with maximums at 318 and 365 nm respectively.
The photoluminescence measurements of samarium coating suggest that can be efficiently excited with 700 nm and consist of emission bands centered at 567, 603, 639 and 707 nm, consistent with characteristic Sm3+ transitions. The CIE (Commission Internationale de L’Eclairage) chromatic coordinates, color purity and color correlated temperature were determined.