Knowledge Domain Mapping in Powder Coating Explosion Research: A Visualization and Analysis Study

Powder coatings, as a widely used green surface treatment material, face significant combustion and explosion risks due to the simultaneous presence of high-concentration combustible dust clouds and electrostatic ignition sources in their application environments. With the advancement of new materials and emerging industrial sectors, research on powder coating explosions has become increasingly interdisciplinary, resulting in a somewhat fragmented knowledge base. To systematically reveal the knowledge structure, research hotspots, and development trends in this field, this study employs bibliometric methods based on 857 relevant publications retrieved from the Web of Science (WOS) Core Collection database between 2015 and September 2025. Using VOSviewer (Version 1.6.20) and CiteSpace (Version 6.4), the analysis examines institutional collaboration, journal distribution, author collaboration patterns, regional differences, co-citation relationships, knowledge foundations, and research frontiers. The results indicate that powder coating explosion research has gradually developed an integrated knowledge system centered on materials science, chemical engineering, and combustion science. Institutions from China, Russia, and India represent some of the most productive contributors in this field. Current research hotspots focus on the explosion mechanisms of powder coatings, explosion-proof materials, risk assessment, numerical simulation, and protective measures for emerging industrial applications. Future trends are expected to focus increasingly on intelligent explosion suppression systems, multi-scale coupling mechanisms, and international collaborative governance. This study provides a comprehensive knowledge map to support scientific planning and safety strategy development in powder coating explosion research.