Symposium E: Thin-films, Membranes and Coatings (Nanostructured Ceramics)

Ceramic thin films are in wide use. The relatively high hardness and inertness of ceramic materials make this type of thin coating of interest for protection of substrate materials against corrosion, oxidation and wear. In particular, the use of such coatings on cutting tools can extend the life of these items by several orders of magnitude. A wide range of ceramic thin films or coatings exhibit fascinating properties and multiple functionalities. With the reduction of dimensions, the ceramic materials will exhibit special properties and opening new applications compared to their bulks, thus have become the subject of many experimental and theoretical studies. At the same time, the sensitive nature of physical properties of ceramic thin films and coatings to the nanostructure and interfaces has created challenges and opportunities to materials and physics research communities. Synergistic research efforts of material processing, characterization and theoretical modeling of nanostructures and properties will yield fundamental knowledge in the synthesis of ceramic thin films and coatings. A whole range of new device concepts can be envisaged through the integration of these materials with other technologically important materials. This symposium will provide a forum for discussion of the latest progress in research and development on ceramic thin films and coatings with an emphasis on the processing-structure-property relationships.