Mechanical Properties of Nanocomposite Coatings Fabricated by Sputttering

Abstract

ABSTRACTA brief study of the microhardness of nanocomposite coatings fabricated by a new technique is reported. The new fabrication technique utilizes sputtering at high pressures in a thermal gradient to produce nanometer-size particles, which are then embedded in a matrix produced by conventional sputtering. The microstructures and microhardness of nanocomposite coatings of Al matrix reinforced by Mo particles (grain diameter ranging from 7 to 20 nm) are reported.