Structure and Properties of Nanostructured Films and Coatings

Original results of studies of structure and properties of a nanostructured (nanocomposite) film and coating are presented. A classification of nanocrystalline films (3 groups) is presented. Effect of an ion bombardment in the process of deposition is considered. A nanocomposite coating (including multi-layered one), hard, and superhard one is considered. Their definition is presented and their thermal stability is considered. A whole class of super-hard composite materials featuring H ≥ 80GPa is described in detail. The super-hard nanocomposite is composed of a transition metal nanocrystal TiM (where M is Ti, Zr, Mo, Ta, etc.), which is surrounded by one mono-layer of an amorphous (or quasi-amorphous) system α-Si3N4, BN.

Keywords: Amorphous, nanocompisite coatings, superhard, microstructure, mechanical properties.