In the area of Advanced Coatings and Metallurgy (RAM) at Cimav Unidad Monterrey we conduct internationally competent research, taking into account the multidisciplinary experience of the researchers, the formation of specialized human resources and the use of frontier infrastructure to create scientific and technological products that possess more academic relevance.

In addition to 37 projects linked to the industrial sector, some cases of success from this research group are the creation of specialized laboratories, which are key in improving scientific productivity, for the formation of high level human resources and attracting a greater number of linked projects:

• – Thermal projection and high temperature laboratory: counts with thermal projection equipment such as the HVOF DJ2700H Sulzer, Arc Spray TAFA 8830 Praxair and the PTA EuTronic GAP 3001DC by Eutectic.
• – Laboratory of Atomic Force Microscopy and Nanoscale Characterization of Mechanical Properties: it is equipped with AFM Asylum SA-3D and the Triboindenter Hysitron TI-950.
• – Laboratory for Advanced Coatings Design and Optimization: counts with the Atomic Layer Deposition Reactor TFS200 by Beneq.

In the area of Advanced Coating and Metallurgy, the mission is to analyze, correct and improve specific engineering system designs through the study of materials, their properties and their correlation with the processing and microstructure parameters.

The scientific contribution is based on the generation and application of novel knowledge that is reflected in the quality of the products developed, which are based on the fundamental study of the formation and behavior of the micro and nanostructure and their effect on the mechanical, optical, thermal and tribological properties.

RAM has three main objectives:

1. Develop materials with improved properties and performance through innovation of coatings, nanostructured systems, thin films, and surfaces and interfaces, with special emphasis on understanding the behavior of their properties in regards to their microstructure, their atomic and electronic structure.
2. Encourage research linked to the academic and industrial sectors to solve scientific and technological problems related to coatings and metallurgy.
3. Generate highly specialized human resources through continuous participation in the different postgraduate programs offered by the Cimav.

Some of the main applications that the research and the developments done in RAM have include:

1. Optical, metallic and composite coatings with different properties.
2. Thin and ultra-thin films for electronic devices and energy generation.
3. Thick nanostructured composite coatings for biomedical and anti-wear applications.
4. Protection against corrosion.
5. Thermal, mass diffusion and electric charge barriers.
6. Materials with ferroelectric, piezoelectric and ferroelastic properties.

Technology is an integral part of business. When based on knowledge, science and research, added value increases, thereby creating new products and processes that maintain at the forefront and with a high level of competence.

The infrastructure for materials synthesis and characterization, as well as the intellectual capital comprising the RAM area allow it to offer the following projects:

1. Development of specialized coatings with vapor phase deposition techniques, alternative methodologies in aqueous solution, thermal projection and hot immersion.
2. Integral solutions to problems in the implementation, modification and performance of coatings.
3. Optical, microstructural, chemical, electrical, mechanical, thermal and tribological characterization of coatings and materials.
4. Constant generation of innovative projects for the solution of national and global problems within the metal-mechanical, automotive, energy, petrochemical, aerospace and energy sustainability sectors, just to mention a few.
5. Failure analysis based on performance and application in parts and components of processes.

Collaborations

UCSB, KMU, WW7-Institute of Biomaterials Erlangen Germany, Engineering Department University of Ferrara Italy, CINVESTAV, CIDESI, COMIMSA, CIDIIT-UANL, CIIIA-UANL, FIME-UANL, FCQ-UANL, ITESM-MTY, IT Celaya, IER-UNAM, ITESI, ESIME-IPN, INBA-QRO, CVT, UACJ, UAdeC, UPRR, UPV, UT Altamira, among others.