This volume entitled "Protective Coatings and Thin Films : Synthesis, Characterization and Applications" contains the Proceedings of the NATO Advanced Research Workshop (ARW) held in Alvor, Portugal from May 30 to June 5, 1996. This NATO-ARW was an expert meeting on the surface protection and modification of solid materials subjected to interactions with the environment. The meeting attracted 10 key speakers, 40 contributing speakers and 3 observers from various countries. The existing knowledge and current status of the science and technology related to protective coatings and thin films were assessed through a series of oral presentations, key notes (titles underlined in the volume content) and contributed papers distributed over various sessions dealing with: (a) plasma-assisted physical and chemical vapor deposition processes to enhance wear and corrosion protection of materials, (b) low friction coatings operating in hostile environment (vacuum, space, extreme temperatures, . . . ), (c) polymer films for protection against mechanical damage and chemical attack, (d) characterization of the structure of films and correlations with mechanical properties, (e) wear and corrosion resistant thermal spray coatings, (f) functional gradient ceramic/metallic coatings produced by high energy laser beam and energetic deposition processes for high temperature applications, (g) protective coatings for optical systems, and (h) ion beam assisted deposition of coatings for protection of materials against aqueous corrosion.

Materials and Processes for Surface and Interface Engineering, which has been written by experts in the fields of deposition technology and surface modification techniques, offers up to date tutorial papers on the latest advances in surface and interface engineering. The emphasis is on fundamental aspects, principles and applications of plasma and ion beam processing technology. A handbook for the engineer and scientist as well as an introduction for students in several branches of materials science and surface engineering.

An up-to-date collection of tutorial papers on the latest advances in the deposition and growth of thin films for micro and nano technologies. The emphasis is on fundamental aspects, principles and applications of deposition techniques used for the fabrication of micro and nano devices. The deposition of thin films is described, emphasising the gas phase and surface chemistry and its effects on the growth rates and properties of films. Gas-phase phenomena, surface chemistry, growth mechanisms and the modelling of deposition processes are thoroughly described and discussed to provide a clear understanding of the growth of thin films and microstructures via thermally activated, laser induced, photon assisted, ion beam assisted, and plasma enhanced vapour deposition processes.

A handbook for engineers and scientists and an introduction for students of microelectronics.

Materials and Processes for Surface and Interface Engineering, which has been written by experts in the fields of deposition technology and surface modification techniques, offers up to date tutorial papers on the latest advances in surface and interface engineering. The emphasis is on fundamental aspects, principles and applications of plasma and ion beam processing technology. A handbook for the engineer and scientist as well as an introduction for students in several branches of materials science and surface engineering.

This volume entitled "Protective Coatings and Thin Films : Synthesis, Characterization and Applications" contains the Proceedings of the NATO Advanced Research Workshop (ARW) held in Alvor, Portugal from May 30 to June 5, 1996. This NATO-ARW was an expert meeting on the surface protection and modification of solid materials subjected to interactions with the environment. The meeting attracted 10 key speakers, 40 contributing speakers and 3 observers from various countries. The existing knowledge and current status of the science and technology related to protective coatings and thin films were assessed through a series of oral presentations, key notes (titles underlined in the volume content) and contributed papers distributed over various sessions dealing with: (a) plasma-assisted physical and chemical vapor deposition processes to enhance wear and corrosion protection of materials, (b) low friction coatings operating in hostile environment (vacuum, space, extreme temperatures, . . . ), (c) polymer films for protection against mechanical damage and chemical attack, (d) characterization of the structure of films and correlations with mechanical properties, (e) wear and corrosion resistant thermal spray coatings, (f) functional gradient ceramic/metallic coatings produced by high energy laser beam and energetic deposition processes for high temperature applications, (g) protective coatings for optical systems, and (h) ion beam assisted deposition of coatings for protection of materials against aqueous corrosion.

An up-to-date collection of tutorial papers on the latest advances in the deposition and growth of thin films for micro and nano technologies. The emphasis is on fundamental aspects, principles and applications of deposition techniques used for the fabrication of micro and nano devices. The deposition of thin films is described, emphasising the gas phase and surface chemistry and its effects on the growth rates and properties of films. Gas-phase phenomena, surface chemistry, growth mechanisms and the modelling of deposition processes are thoroughly described and discussed to provide a clear understanding of the growth of thin films and microstructures via thermally activated, laser induced, photon assisted, ion beam assisted, and plasma enhanced vapour deposition processes.

A handbook for engineers and scientists and an introduction for students of microelectronics.