Abstract: This invention relates to a radiator 10 and to a method of making a radiator. In particular, this invention relates to a radiator 10 having thin-film coatings that serve to increase the thermal emissivity of the entire structure. A radiator 10 is provided comprising a substrate 12, an amorphous carbon layer 16 and the metallic carbide forming layer 14 interposed between the substrate 12 and amorphous carbon layer 16. In addition, a method of making a radiator is provided comprising the steps of forming the metallic carbide-forming layer on a substrate and forming an amorphous carbon layer on the metallic carbide-forming layer.