The first volume in the Handbook of Nanostructured Thin Films and Coatings set, this book concentrates on the mechanical properties, such as hardness, toughness, and adhesion, of thin films and coatings. It discusses processing, properties, and performance and provides a detailed analysis of theories and size effects. The book presents the fundamentals of hard and superhard nanocomposites and heterostructures, assesses fracture toughness and interfacial adhesion strength of thin films and hard nanocomposite coatings, and covers the processing and mechanical properties of hybrid sol-gel-derived nanocomposite coatings. It also uses nanomechanics to optimize coatings for cutting tools and explores various other coatings, such as diamond, metal-containing amorphous carbon nanostructured, and transition metal nitride-based nanolayered multilayer coatings.

The Fundamentals of Hard and Superhard Nanocomposites and Heterostructures. Determination of Hardness and Modulus of Thin Films. Fracture Toughness and Interfacial Adhesion Strength of Thin Films: Indentation and Scratch Experiments and Analysis. Toughness and Toughening of Hard Nanocomposite Coatings. Processing and Mechanical Properties of Hybrid Sol-Gel-Derived Nanocomposite Coatings. Using Nanomechanics to Optimize Coatings for Cutting Tools. Electrolytic Deposition of Nanocomposite Coatings: Processing, Properties, and Applications. Diamond Coatings: The Industrial Perspective. Amorphous Carbon Coatings. Transition Metal Nitride-Based Nanolayered Multilayer Coatings and Nanocomposite Coatings as Novel Superhard Materials. Plasma Polymer Films: From Nanoscale Synthesis to Macroscale Functionality.

Sam Zhang is a full professor in the School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore.