Structure and properties of multicomponent and composite layers produced by combined surface engineering methods

The rapid technical development enhances the demands on constructional materials in terms of their mechanical properties, resistance to frictional wear, resistance to corrosion and erosion, etc. These demands can be satisfied by e.g. applying various surface engineering techniques that permit to modify the microstructure, phase and chemical compositions of the surface layers of the treated parts. A significant progress has been made in this area in the technological innovation and production of new coating materials, as well as the development of the design systems. Many efforts have been made during the past decades, mainly in the controlling, optimizing and modeling of the processes and also in developing new methods. A prospective line of the development of surface engineering is the production of multicomponent and composite layers by introducing new gaseous atmospheres, such as vapours of metallorganic compounds, and by combining (in a way justified from the economical point of view) various surface engineering methods. The multicomponent and composite layers improve essentially the performance properties and service life of the treated parts and widen significantly the application range of materials. This review summarizes the current knowledge as to the recent development of surface engineering with special attention paid to the possibilities offered by modern glow discharge assisted treatments.