Flexible hard nanocoatings with high thermal stability

Our investigation was concentrated on two basic challenges in the field of hard protective coatings prepared by magnetron sputtering: (1) Toughness and resistance to cracking (TRC) and (2) Flexible Hard Coatings with high thermal stability (TS). While results of investigation of TRC were already comprehensively published in a chapter of the book Thin Films and Coatings, Toughening and Toughness Characterization [1], results of the investigation of TS have not been comprehensively published yet. These results are described in detail in this new article. The choice and the presentation of the material in this article reflect the interests and perspectives of the principal author. The paper reports on the enhanced hardness and thermal stability of nanocomposite coatings, and on the formation of the X-ray amorphous coatings with thermal stability and oxidation resistance above 1000 °C and of flexible hard coatings. Reported results can be used in the development of the flexible ceramic coatings, in the surface strengthening of brittle materials, and in the prevention of (i) cracking of the functional coatings and (ii) the crack formation on the surface of bent materials. It is shown that the energy delivered into the flexible hard coatings during their growth plays a key role in their formation. Special attention is devoted to formation of coatings with unique, fully reproducible properties and to new technology based on highly non-equilibrium processes at the atomic level. Special attention is also devoted to the speed of cooling of hard nanocoatings and to its effect on their thermal stability at high temperatures reaching up to 2000 °C. The key role of interdisciplinary insights in the development of new advanced hard coatings is also discussed. In conclusion trends in the next development of new advanced hard nanocoatings are indicated.