The mission of this department is to perform high quality basic and applied research in the frontier areas of surface science and engineering leading to the development of superior products through improved surfaces, interfaces and coatings. Surface modification using plasma technology is carried out on structural components to enhance their performance in aggressive environment. Development of structural materials through powder metallurgy route and evaluation of their properties for industrial applications is done. The department also aims to carry out applied research in the area of non-destructive evaluation, characterisation and life assessment methodologies including mechanical and tribological behaviour of metals, alloys, ceramics and composites.

Surface Engineering Department is well equipped with advanced instruments needed to carry out materials evaluation, surface modification and characterisation of surface properties alongwith evaluation of friction, wear and erosion properties of materials. It is also actively involved to offer short courses on materials evaluation and training courses on various surface modifications and characterisation techniques.