Nanocomposite coatings with enhanced hardness

Nano-composite coatings represent a new generation of materials. They are composed of at least two separated phases with a nanocrystalline and/or amorphous structure. Individual phases form domains, which occupy very small regions. Small size, structure and shape of domains, from which the nanocomposite materials are composed, and chemical bonding between them result in new and unique properties of nanocomposites compared to those of the conventional materials composed of grains greater than 100 nm. The new unique physical and functional properties of nanocomposite coatings are a main driving force stimulating the development of new advanced materials. Recent investigations clearly showed that there is a strong correlation between the energy 'E' delivered to the growing film during its growth, the film structure, physical, and functional properties of the film. The energy 'E' is however, necessary but not sufficient to control the formation of nanocomposite films with prescribed properties.