Scaling Up MAX Phase Coatings: SAFARI Highlights from COATINGS 2026

At the COATINGS 2026 conference, a key highlight centered on the advancement of scalable coating technologies designed to bridge the gap between laboratory research and industrial application. Grzegorz Kubicki from the Łukasiewicz – Poznański Instytut Technologiczny presented significant developments in fabricating MAX phase ceramic coatings using the aerosol cold spray method. This technique represents a highly promising route toward creating robust, high-performance functional surfaces.

Cold spray processing stands out due to its low thermal impact, high deposition efficiency, and broad compatibility with advanced materials. Because it avoids the high temperatures typical of traditional thermal spraying, the structural integrity of sensitive materials remains intact.

These specific properties make cold spray a strong candidate for integrating complex 2D material-based systems into demanding industrial environments. Within the framework of the SAFARI project, this research directly supports the transition of innovative materials into real-world applications, offering a viable solution where durability, scalability, and Safe-and-Sustainable-by-Design principles are paramount.