Abstract: The application concerns a method of authenticating an object, the object comprising an identification substance including at least one amorphous phase, at least one crystalline phase and at least one complex metallic phase. The method includes the steps of: subjecting the identification substance of a candidate object to XRD analysis to determine an XRD signature thereof; comparing the XRD signature of the candidate object to a reference XRD signature, and concluding to the authenticity of the object when its XRD signature substantially matches the reference XRD signature.

Abstract: A method is provided for coating a sample with the help of a coating material, where the method includes coating material being obtained from a mixture of a polysaccharide powder as a gelling polymer and of a reinforcing powder that is a powder of a complex intermetallic alloy or a powder comprising a complex intermetallic alloy and at least one compound selected from a ceramic compound and a polymeric compound. The volume fraction of the reinforcing powder not exceeding 60% of the total volume of the mixture.