Remembering Literary Giants: Cervantes, Shakespeare, and the Art of Surface Engineering

Introduction

April 23, 1616 marks a significant date in literary history, as it commemorates the death of two of the world’s most renowned writers: Miguel de Cervantes and William Shakespeare. Though they lived in different countries and wrote in different languages, both men left an indelible mark on literature that continues to inspire and captivate readers to this day. Interestingly, this date also holds relevance in the field of surface engineering, a discipline that has revolutionized modern manufacturing.

Historical Context

Miguel de Cervantes, born in 1547 in Spain, is best known for his novel “Don Quixote,” often regarded as the first modern novel and one of the greatest works of fiction ever written. Cervantes had a tumultuous life, serving as a soldier, getting captured by pirates, and struggling financially, experiences that undoubtedly influenced his writing. William Shakespeare, born in 1564 in England, is widely considered the greatest writer in the English language and the world’s greatest dramatist. He wrote approximately 39 plays and 154 sonnets that have been translated into every major language and are performed more than any other playwright. Remarkably, both Cervantes and Shakespeare died on April 23, 1616, though not on the same day due to differences in the Julian and Gregorian calendar. Nevertheless, the coincidence of their deaths on the same date has led UNESCO to declare April 23 as World Book Day in their honour.

Applications of Surface Engineering

Surface engineering refers to a wide range of processes designed to modify the surface properties of materials for improved functionality, such as increased wear and corrosion resistance. It has applications across diverse industries including aerospace, automotive, electronics, and biomedical. Some common surface engineering techniques include:

• • • Plating and coating technologies like electroplating, vapor deposition, and thermal spraying
    • Surface modification processes such as carburizing, nitriding, and laser surface hardening
    • Characterization techniques to analyse microstructure, composition, and mechanical properties

Applying surface engineering has immense environmental and economic benefits, potentially reducing CO2 emissions by up to 3.4 Gt in 2100 through improved efficiency and durability of treated components. With the rapid development of novel methods like nanostructured surfaces, surface engineering continues to push the boundaries of material performance.

Conclusion

While Miguel de Cervantes and William Shakespeare may seem to have little in common with the modern field of surface engineering, there is perhaps a poetic connection in how both literature and materials science seek to transform – whether the human spirit or the properties of matter. As we reflect on the legacy of these literary giants, we can also appreciate the transformative potential of scientific progress to improve our world, one engineered surface at a time.