The SICT 2026 topics/ themes include:

Coating Deposition & Surface Treatment Technologies

• Physical and chemical vapor deposition (PVD, CVD)
• Cold spraying and thermal spraying techniques
• Thermochemical surface treatments
• Electroplating and electroless plating
• Wet chemical and electrochemical processes (e.g., sol-gel coatings, anodization)

Surface Functionalization & Engineering

• Functional surface treatments for enhanced performance
• Surface nanoengineering and nano-texturing
• Fabrication of ultra-thin films and nano-coatings
• Graded, multilayered, hybrid, and composite coatings

Coating Characterization & Modeling

• Experimental techniques for surface and interface characterization
• Modeling and simulation of coating performance and degradation
• Adhesion science and interface interactions
• Mechanical, chemical, and structural analysis of surfaces

Advanced Materials & Emerging Coating Systems

• Graphene, carbon-based, and 2D material coatings
• Smart and stimuli-responsive coatings (self-healing, self-cleaning, etc.)
• Hydro-, oleo-, and ice-phobic/philic surfaces
• Multi-functional coatings for adaptive or tunable properties

Performance-Oriented Coating Applications

• Tribological coatings for friction and wear control (abrasion, erosion, fretting)
• Corrosion-, oxidation-, and thermal-resistant coatings
• Diffusion barriers and high-temperature protective layers

Coatings for Energy & Functional Applications

• Coatings in sustainable and renewable energy systems
• Optical, electrical, magnetic, and photovoltaic coatings
• Functional surfaces for energy conversion and storage
• Coatings for hydrogen production, fuel cells, and battery systems

Biomedical & Biointerface Coatings

• Bioactive and biocompatible surface coatings
• Antibacterial, antifouling, and cell-interactive surfaces
• Surface engineering for implants, sensors, and medical devices

 

In addition to the main conference sessions covering the event topics, different focus sessions/symposia (and/or workshops) are planned. These focus sessions and workshops will offer the conference participants the opportunity to go more into depth with one specific topic.

We are pleased to announce the following EU Project Workshops:

BIO-SUSHY project workshop: Sustainable surface protection by glass-like hybrid and biomaterials coatings

BIO SUSHY (Sustainable Surface Protection by Glass Like Hybrid and Biomaterials Coatings) is an EU Horizon Europe research project developing safe, high-performance, and sustainable surface coatings as alternatives to harmful PFAS chemicals. The project focuses on bio-based and hybrid glass-like coatings that are water- and oil-repellent, combining Safe-and-Sustainable-by-Design (SSbD) principles with advanced material modeling, experimental validation, and life-cycle assessment. BIO SUSHY aims to deliver eco-friendly coatings for textiles, food packaging, and cosmetic glass surfaces, reducing environmental impact while ensuring industrial applicability and stakeholder acceptance.

Key Features:

• PFAS-Free & Sustainable: Safe alternatives to harmful fluorinated chemicals.
• Bio-Based & Hybrid Materials: Renewable and glass-like hybrid coatings.
• SSbD Approach: Safety, environmental, and lifecycle considerations integrated.
• Multi-Sector Applications: Textiles, food packaging, and cosmetic glass surfaces.
• Industry Engagement: Promotes knowledge exchange and adoption of sustainable coatings

Keywords: PFAS-free coatings, Bio-based materials, Hybrid coatings, Water- and oil-repellent, Safe-and-Sustainable-by-Design (SSbD), Surface protection, Life-cycle assessment, Circular materials

 

RELIANCE Project Workshop: Smart Response Self desInfected biobased NanoCoated surfaces for healthier environments)

RELIANCE (Smart Response sELf desInfected biobAsed NanoCoatEd surfaces for healthier environments) is an EU funded research project developing smart, self disinfecting antimicrobial nanocoatings using biobased antimicrobial nanoparticles. The project designs coatings that combine contact killing and microbial repelling action with sustainability and eco design, using biobased antimicrobial peptides and essential oils integrated into mesoporous silica nanoparticles. These coatings are tailored for durable protection on various substrates (metals, plastics, textiles), while minimizing environmental impact and enhancing safety compared with conventional antimicrobial solutions.

Key Features

• Innovative antimicrobial nanocoatings: self disinfecting and sustainable.
• Biobased active compounds: peptides from protein waste streams & plant essential oils.
• Smart nanoparticle design: mesoporous silica with metallic copper core.
• Eco design and sustainability: reduced toxic agents, renewable components, life cycle considerations.
• Durable performance: designed for different substrates and optimized application methods.

Keywords: Antimicrobial nanocoatings, Self disinfecting surfaces, Biobased active compounds, Mesoporous silica nanoparticles; Sustainability, Eco design, Microbial repellence, Circular materials