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This work attempts to produce photocatalytic surfaces for large-scale applications by depositing nanostructured coatings on polymeric substrates. ZnO/poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) composites were prepared by low-temperature atomic layer deposition (ALD) of ZnO on PMMA substrates. In addition, to increase the photocatalytic and antibacterial activities of ZnO films, Ag nanoparticles were added on ZnO surfaces using plasma-enhanced ALD. The morphology, crystallinity, and chemical composition of the specimens were meticulously examined by scanning and transmission electron microscopies, energy-dispersive Xray spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction analyses. The noteworthy photocatalytic activity of the nanocomposites was proved by the degradation of the following organic pollutants in aqueous solution: methylene blue, paracetamol, and sodium lauryl sulfate. The antibacterial properties of the samples were tested using Escherichia coli as a model organism. Moreover, the possible toxic effects of the specimens were checked by biological tests. The present results unambiguously indicate the Ag/ZnO/PMMA nanocomposite as a powerful tool for an advanced wastewater treatment technology.

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Direct laser deposition was used to create tracks and surfaces using AISI 316 stainless steel powder blended with alumina, tungsten carbide or chromium carbide, with the aim to apply localised reinforcement to stainless steel components. Co-deposition of the powders was carried onto an AISI 316 stainless steel surface to evaluate parameters, and to produce specimens for metallography, EDX and XRD analysis and microhardness tests. Testing of the specimens produced using selected parameters included pin-on-disc wear tests, slurry pot erosion and corrosion testing. The alumina failed to produce a useful improvement to material properties. Tungsten carbide improved wear resistance by 260 times while erosion resistance was doubled; chromium carbide gave a maximum improvement of 88 time to sliding wear resistance, and a 2?3 times maximum improvement of erosion resistance. Chromium carbide-reinforced material furthermore performed well in corrosion tests. The deposition and testing of these materials is described and the outcome of the tests carried out is reported.