The field of coatings and thin-film technologies is rapidly advancing to keep up with new uses for semiconductor, optical, tribological, thermoelectric, solar, security, and smart sensing applications, among others. In this sense, thin-film coatings and structures are increasingly sophisticated with more specific properties, new geometries, large areas, the use of heterogeneous materials and flexible and rigid coating substrates to produce thin-film structures with improved performance and properties in response to new challenges that the industry presents. This book aims to provide the reader with a complete overview of the current state of applications and developments in thin-film technology, discussing applications, health and safety in thin films, and presenting reviews and experimental results of recognized experts in the area of coatings and thin-film technologies.

This volume entitled "Protective Coatings and Thin Films : Synthesis, Characterization and Applications" contains the Proceedings of the NATO Advanced Research Workshop (ARW) held in Alvor, Portugal from May 30 to June 5, 1996. This NATO-ARW was an expert meeting on the surface protection and modification of solid materials subjected to interactions with the environment. The meeting attracted 10 key speakers, 40 contributing speakers and 3 observers from various countries. The existing knowledge and current status of the science and technology related to protective coatings and thin films were assessed through a series of oral presentations, key notes (titles underlined in the volume content) and contributed papers distributed over various sessions dealing with: (a) plasma-assisted physical and chemical vapor deposition processes to enhance wear and corrosion protection of materials, (b) low friction coatings operating in hostile environment (vacuum, space, extreme temperatures, . . . ), (c) polymer films for protection against mechanical damage and chemical attack, (d) characterization of the structure of films and correlations with mechanical properties, (e) wear and corrosion resistant thermal spray coatings, (f) functional gradient ceramic/metallic coatings produced by high energy laser beam and energetic deposition processes for high temperature applications, (g) protective coatings for optical systems, and (h) ion beam assisted deposition of coatings for protection of materials against aqueous corrosion.

Development of the thin film and coating technologies (TFCT) made possible the technological revolution in electronics and through it the revolution in IT and communications in the end of the twentieth century. Now, TFCT penetrated in many sectors of human life and industry: biology and medicine; nuclear, fusion, and hydrogen energy; protection against corrosion and hydrogen embrittlement; jet engine; space materials science; and many others. Currently, TFCT along with nanotechnologies is the most promising for the development of almost all industries. The 20 chapters of this book present the achievements of thin-film technology in many areas mentioned above but more than any other in medicine and biology and energy saving and energy efficiency.

Thin Film Coatings: Properties, Deposition, and Applications discusses the holistic subject of conventional and emerging thin film technologies without bias to a specific technology based on the existing literature. It covers properties and delves into the various methods of thin film deposition, including the most recent techniques and a direction for future developments. It also discusses the cutting-edge applications of thin film coatings such as self-healing and smart coatings, biomedical, hybrid, and scalable thin films. Finally, the concept of Industry 4.0 in thin film coating technology is examined. This book: Explores a wide range and is not specific to material and method of deposition Demonstrates the application of thin film coatings in nearly all sectors, such as energy and anti-microbial applications Details the preparation and properties of hybrid and scalable (ultra) thin materials for advanced applications Provides detailed bibliometric analyses on applications of thin film coatings Discusses Industry 4.0 and 3D printing in thin film technology With its broad coverage, this comprehensive reference will appeal to a wide audience of materials scientists and engineers and others studying and developing advanced thin film technologies.

Metallurgical Coatings and Thin Films 1990 presents the Proceedings of the 17th International Conference on Metallurgical Coatings and 8th International Conference on Thin Films, held in San Diego, California on April 2-6, 1990. It contains 219 papers covering a wide range of topics related to metallurgical coatings and thin films, including high temperature coatings, hard coatings, diamond films, tribology, and ion beam modification. Organized into 99 chapters, this volume begins with a discussion of a thermochemical model for diamond growth from the vapor phase and an experiment in large area diamond coating using a combustion flame torch in its traversing mode. It then explores the properties of diamond films, preparation of diamond-like carbon films using various ion-beam-assisted techniques, deposition of diamond-like films by laser ablation, and coating of cubic BN films on different substrates. The book examines surface processes and rate-determining steps in plasma-induced chemical vapor deposition, and addition of rare earths to improve scale adherence on heat-resisting alloys and coatings. The reader is introduced to high temperature wear and clearance control coatings, thermal barrier coatings, and corrosion resistant coatings. The book also discusses modification of coatings/surfaces to reduce friction; the mechanics of the tribology of thin films systems; mechanochemical interactions in the tribological behavior of materials; analysis and micromechanical testing of tribological coatings; surface modification using directed ion beams; and industrial equipment and processes. This book is a valuable resource for students and researchers interested in metallurgical coatings and thin films.

Functional Thin Films Technology features the functional aspects of thin films, such as their application in solar selective absorbers, fiber lasers, solid oxide fuel cells, piezo-related areas, catalysts, superhydrophobicity, semiconductors, and trace pesticides detection. It highlights developments and advances in the preparation, characterization, and applications of functional micro-/nano-scaled films and coatings. This book Presents technologies aimed at functionality used in nanoelectronics, solar selective absorbers, solid oxide fuel cells, piezo-applications, and sensors Covers absorbers, catalysts, anodic aluminum oxide, superhydrophobics, and semiconductor devices Features a chapter on transport phenomena associated to structures Discusses transport phenomena and material informatics This second volume in the two-volume set, Protective Thin Coatings and Functional Thin Films Technology, will benefit industry professionals and researchers working in areas related to semiconductors, optoelectronics, plasma technology, solid-state energy storages, and 5G, as well as advanced students studying electrical, mechanical, chemical, and materials engineering.

Hard or protective coatings are widely used in conventional and modern industries and will continue to play a key role in future manufacturing, especially in the micro and nano areas. Protective Thin Coatings Technology highlights the developments and advances in the preparation, characterization, and applications of protective micro-/nanoscaled films and coatings. This book Covers technologies for sputtering of flexible hard nanocoatings, deposition of solid lubricating films, and multilayer transition metal nitrides Describes integrated nanomechanical characterization of hard coatings, corrosion and tribo-corrosion of hard coatings, and high entropy alloy films and coatings Investigates thin films and coatings for high-temperature applications, nanocomposite coatings on magnesium alloys, and the correlation between coating properties and industrial applications Features various aspects of hard coatings, covering advanced sputtering technologies, structural characterizations, and simulations, as well as applications This first volume in the two-volume set, Protective Thin Coatings and Functional Thin Films Technology, will benefit industry professionals and researchers working in areas related to semiconductors, optoelectronics, plasma technology, solid-state energy storages, and 5G, as well as advanced students studying electrical, mechanical, chemical, and material engineering.

This five-volume handbook focuses on processing techniques, characterization methods, and physical properties of thin films (thin layers of insulating, conducting, or semiconductor material). The editor has composed five separate, thematic volumes on thin films of metals, semimetals, glasses, ceramics, alloys, organics, diamonds, graphites, porous materials, noncrystalline solids, supramolecules, polymers, copolymers, biopolymers, composites, blends, activated carbons, intermetallics, chalcogenides, dyes, pigments, nanostructured materials, biomaterials, inorganic/polymer composites, organoceramics, metallocenes, disordered systems, liquid crystals, quasicrystals, and layered structures. Thin films is a field of the utmost importance in today's materials science, electrical engineering and applied solid state physics; with both research and industrial applications in microelectronics, computer manufacturing, and physical devices. Advanced, high-performance computers, high-definition TV, digital camcorders, sensitive broadband imaging systems, flat-panel displays, robotic systems, and medical electronics and diagnostics are but a few examples of miniaturized device technologies that depend the utilization of thin film materials. The Handbook of Thin Films Materials is a comprehensive reference focusing on processing techniques, characterization methods, and physical properties of these thin film materials.

The report comprises a detailed description of the materials, techniques and problems in each of the three major areas of thin film applications--dielectrics, magnetics and semiconductors. Included in the report are also basic theories necessary for a complete understanding of the physical and chemical processes related to the areas of interest. Theoretical analysis leads to a description of the critical physical, chemical and structural requirements of films for device applications. The state of the art of all aspects of ceramic thin film technology is critically reviewed, and recommendations are suggested to overcome existing limitations.

Thin films have significantly impacted the present modern era of technology and are considered the backbone of advanced applications in various fields, such as optical devices, environmental applications, telecommunications devices, energy storage, photovoltaic solar cells, integrated circuits, and others. The critical issue for all applications of thin films depends on their morphology and stability. The morphology of thin films strongly depends on the deposition techniques. Hence due to its multidisciplinary nature, a background in thin film technology requires skills such as chemistry, physics, electrical engineering, and materials science and engineering