ABSTRACT
Delamination and fracture of coatings are often encountered in mechanical appli cations and on components exposed to thermal cycling. Furthermore, the interface between the substrate and the coating is usually the weakest part of a coating com posite. Provided the substrate surface has been cleaned from contamination, delam ination and cracking are strongly promoted by residual stresses in the coating and this is further worsened by any irregularities in the substrate surface.
