By sputtering the targets at different rates any desired alloy composition can be attained.
Further, by varying either the sputtering rates, or the flow of reactive gas during deposition, composition, and, therefore, properties can be graded through the thickness of the coating.
In this manner, properties can be optimised , both at the coating/substrate interface for adhesion, and at the coating surface for the desired functionality
The production of
combines many of the features