Nanostructured multilayer superlattice coatings and nanocomposite coatings

Current research problems in the surface coatings technology include development of various thin coatings with exotic properties as part of an effort to modify the surfaces of a variety of engineering materials at lower cost. Among these coatings, multilayer/superlattice coatings have generated a lot interest in the scientific community because of their exotic properties and probable technological applications in diverse fields. This article outlines the latest developments in the field of multilayer coatings. Multilayer coatings of ceramic/ceramic materials are discussed in detail. Characterization techniques such as – X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, nanoindentation hardness tester, atomic force microscopy, low-angle X-ray reflectivity, potentiodynamic polarization, etc. have been used to discuss the structural and the mechanical properties of the multilayer coatings. We also discuss the thermal stability of the multilayer superlattice coatings