Structure and physical-mechanical properties of nanostructured thin films

The structure and mechanical properties of nanostructured thin films based on carbides, nitrides, and borides of transition metals are described. The mechanisms of localized deformation of the films during indentation are compared. It is shown that the tendency of a material to form shear bands during deformation can be predicted using the parameter H-3/E-2, which describes the resistance of the material to plastic deformation. The columnar structure of the films is found to play an important role during deformation, which proceeds via slipping of columnar structural elements along the direction of an applied load. (C) 2003 MAIK Nauka/Interperiodica.