Porosity

Porosity is a term used in surface engineering to describe the presence of pores or holes in a surface. Porous surfaces can occur in various materials, including metals, plastics, ceramics and composites, and can be caused by various factors.

In metals, porosity can occur during manufacturing, processing or coating. For example, in metal casting, air pockets in the molten metal can lead to porous castings. In metalworking, improper welding techniques or poorly protected melting and gas cutting processes can also lead to porous surfaces.

In plastics, porosity can occur during the molding process, especially during injection molding or extrusion processing. Inadequate melting or cooling conditions can lead to gas bubbles being trapped in the material, resulting in a porous structure.

In surface coating technology, porosity can occur when coatings are not properly applied or cured. Incomplete wetting of the surface, inadequate deaeration or incorrect process parameters can result in irregular coatings that are porous and do not provide the desired level of protection or aesthetics.

The presence of porosity in surfaces can lead to a variety of problems, including reduced mechanical strength, increased susceptibility to corrosion and insufficient impermeability. It is therefore important to identify porous surfaces at an early stage and take appropriate measures to eliminate their causes and minimize their effects. This can be achieved by optimizing manufacturing processes, using suitable materials and implementing effective quality control procedures.