Abstract: A coated substrate comprising a metal or metal alloy such as a high speed steel, TiAl based alloy or Ni based alloy or an electrically conductive ceramic material, wherein the coating comprises a hard material protective coating comprising alternating layers of different compositions, wherein a first composition of the alternating layers comprises silicon, Si, and/or a second composition of the alternating layers comprises boron, B.

Abstract: A coated substrate comprising a metal or metal alloy such as a high speed steel, TiAl based alloy or Ni based alloy or an electrically conductive ceramic material, wherein the coating comprises a hard material protective coating comprising alternating layers of different compositions, wherein a first composition of the alternating layers comprises silicon, Si, and/or a second composition of the alternating layers comprises boron, B.

Abstract: A PVD coating is disclosed, and in particular a nanoscale multilayer superlattice PVD coating comprising high hardness, a low friction coefficient and increased chemical inertness. The multilayer coating comprises a repeating bilayer represented by (VxMe(i-x))CyN(i-y)/(MezV(1-z))CyN(i-y) where 0.1?x?0.9; 0.01<y<0.99 and 0.1?z?0.9 and Me is a substantially pure metal or a metal alloy. The composition of the coating through the layers alternates from layer to layer according to a V-rich layer and a Me-rich layer modulated sequence. Vanadium is incorporated within the layer composition and has been found to act as a lubricating agent during sliding wear. Carbon, also incorporated within the coating, serves to further stabilize the friction coefficient thereby increasing the chemical inertness between cutting tool and workpiece material.

Abstract: A PVD coating is disclosed, and in particular a nanoscale multilayer superlattice PVD coating comprising high hardness, a low friction coefficient and increased chemical inertness. The multilayer coating comprises a repeating bilayer represented by (VxMe(i-x))CyN(i-y)/(MezV(1-z))CyN(i-y) where 0.1?x?0.9; 0.01<y<0.99 and 0.1?z?0.9 and Me is a substantially pure metal or a metal alloy. The composition of the coating through the layers alternates from layer to layer according to a V-rich layer and a Me-rich layer modulated sequence. Vanadium is incorporated within the layer composition and has been found to act as a lubricating agent during sliding wear. Carbon, also incorporated within the coating, serves to further stabilise the friction coefficient thereby increasing the chemical inertness between cutting tool and workpiece material.

Abstract: This invention relates to coatings for the protection of substrates operating at moderately elevated temperatures, and, more particularly, for the protection of titanium-alloy aircraft and stationary gas turbine components as well as engine components for automotive applications, articles having such coatings and a method for their production.

Abstract: A base for a decorative layer is provided comprising a first material capable of forming an anodic oxide and a second capable of forming an interference metal oxide formed on the first material. The material capable of forming an anodic oxide layer may comprise a barrier layer formed on a substrate. A decorative layer is formed by anodic oxidation of the layer comprising a material capable of forming an interference metal oxide to form an oxide layer formed on the material capable of forming an interference metal oxide, wherein the oxide layer is configured to have a thickness suitable to cause interference of incident light.

Abstract: A PVD process for coating substrates, wherein the substrate is pre-treated in the vapour of a pulsed, magnetic field-assisted cathode sputtering operation, and during pre-treatment a magnetic field arrangement of the magnetron cathode type, with a strength of the horizontal component in front of the target of 100 to 1500 Gauss, is used for magnetic field-assistance, and after pre-treatment further coating is effected by means of cathode sputtering and the power density of the pulsed discharge during pre-treatment is greater than 1000 W.cm?2.