Direct Metal Research Articles

Dose-Dependent Performance of Boron-Implanted Self-Aligned Bottom-Gate IGZO TFTs

Self-aligned channel regions in thin-film transistors (TFTs) have advantages in reduced parasitic capacitance and stage delay, and a reduction in overhead real estate. A common method used to fabricate self-aligned a-Si:H TFTs is to utilize a through-glass exposure of photoresist which is blocked by the opaque metal bottom-gate electrode. This process does not require an additional photomask or lithographic alignment, and thus supports low production cost. Sputtered IGZO has been introduced into flat panel display product manufacturing, exhibiting a channel mobility of approximately an order of magnitude higher than a-Si:H. The working source/drain electrodes in IGZO TFTs can be direct metal contact regions to the IGZO, without the need for additional processes such as doping to render the IGZO conductive. Proper metallurgy and annealing processes can provide ohmic behavior with minimal series resistance, however this usually requires several microns of gate-to-source/drain overlap to ensure such behavior.This work provides an interpretation of donor activation in self-aligned bottom-gate IGZO TFTs with ion-implantation of boron (11B+) species as the source/drain treatment. Passivated staggered bottom gate devices were fabricated with a sputtered 50 nm IGZO channel layer. Following standard passivation processes, devices were implanted adjacent to channel regions with boron doses of 1, 2, and 4×1015 cm-2 at an energy of 35 keV. Utilizing this anneal-implant sequence resulted in self-aligned devices with transfer characteristics comparable to non-self-aligned TFTs.Upon comparing linear mode device characteristics (Vds = 0.1 V) between the different treatments, a dose dependence was observed. Transfer characteristics appeared similar with a boron dose of 1 and 2×1015 cm-2 however, a 45% decrease in max current was observed for devices implanted with a 4×1015 cm-2 dose. From Van der Pauw measurements, a similar trend was observed; an increase in boron dose resulted in an increase in sheet resistance. A left shift in transfer characteristics was observed following thermal stress at 175 °C which is hypothesized to be the result of an interstitial boron species that remains mobile and provides a relatively low dose throughout the channel during and after thermal stress. An increased boron dose is hypothesized to result in a greater concentration of interstitial boron resulting in a greater degree of transfer characteristic shifting following thermal stress. An alternative hypothesis involves the possibility of hydrogen contamination during the implant process. The results of the investigation on the source of instability will be presented. Figure 1

(Invited) Metallization for Advanced Semiconductor Technology Nodes: Wet-Chemical Deposition and Etching, Characterization, and (Semi) Damascene Approaches

To ensure semiconductor technology scaling to continue for the decades to come, the industry focuses on identifying alternative metals (elemental or alloys), that can replace copper in the back end of line (BEOL) integration scheme, for which the metal is used as main conductor for most of the metallization levels. Recently, the semi-damascene process is being developed, in which the interconnect metal is first deposited and then patterned using a dry etching process (‘direct metal etch’), in a fashion closely resembling the traditional Al metallization. One of the advantages is that any metal that can be deposited as a blanket thin film (either by physical vapor deposition (PVD), electrochemical deposition (ECD), electroless deposition (ELD), chemical vapour deposition (CVD), or atomic layer deposition (ALD)) can subsequently be patterned, provided that the critical requirement for dry etching of ‘volatilization’ of the metal is fulfilled. Furthermore, it allows the integration of materials for which no ECD, ELD, CVD or ALD process is available to fill damascene trenches.In this contribution, intrinsic material properties (bulk resistivity, electromigration, ...) and composition (surface versus bulk composition as well as surface oxide) of a wide range of metals and alloys of interest to the BEOL will be compared. An overview of wet-chemical deposition approaches of a few selected metals (Cu and Rh) will be given. For ELD, the focus will be on discussing the mechanistic understanding of the intrinsically complex process, for which the stability and reactivity of the reducing agent is affected by solution pH and composition as well as the presence of oxygen. For ECD, results will be discussed for Rh and Ni, for which an electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance (EQCM) was used to quantify the amount of material deposited and interpret the various features detected in cyclic voltammograms. Metal ion solution speciation as well as stability, of importance for both deposition methods, has been studied using UV-vis spectroscopy and electrochemical characterization (linear sweep and cyclic voltammetry). Deposits were analysed morphologically using transmission electron microscopy and the chemical composition was assessed by elemental mapping.During process integration, the surface-chemical composition of metals / alloys needs to be carefully controlled, as this can, for instance, critically impact metal line resistance or result in wet etching or corrosion. A few example cases in which this is relevant will be presented, e.g. the reversible surface oxidation and reduction of Cu was studied using EQCM, the surface chemistry of NiAl was characterized using electrochemical measurements, and the reversible surface nitridation of a model metal (Mo) is demonstrated as a method to protect against unwanted metal dissolution.

Full Mouth Rehabilitation with All-on-Six Endosseous Implants with Upper and Lower Arch - A Case Report

ABSTRACT This article reports the full mouth rehabilitation of a 59-year-old male patient with completely edentulous upper and lower arches using the All-on-Six endosseous implant technique. The treatment involved placing six implants in both the upper and lower arches, followed by the placement of temporary dentures during the osseointegration period. After 15 weeks, impressions of the implants were taken using additional silicone (VPS). The final prosthesis, consisting of a Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) framework with Zirconia crowns, was designed to ensure optimal aesthetics and function. This case underscores the importance of meticulous diagnosis, planning, and treatment in the successful rehabilitation of implant-supported dentures.

Effect of heat treatment on tribological behavior of direct metal laser sintered alloy 718

The main aim of this work is to enhance the wear performance of the direct metal laser sintered (DMLS) alloy 718 by solution treatment aging (STA) method at room temperature (RT) (28°C) and 400°C in dry sliding conditions. The effect of microstructure, phase analysis, and microhardness on the wear behavior and the influence of STA on the specimen at elevated temperatures were studied. The microstructure revealed the presence of melt pool boundary (MPB) in untreated DMLS alloy while recrystallized grains were observed in the STA-treated alloy. The wear results elucidated that STA-treated alloy exhibited better wear resistance than as-built alloy due to high hardness at both conditions. Severe wear loss occurred at high temperatures caused by the delamination of the brittle oxide glazing layer, while oxidation and adhesive wear were the predominant wear mechanisms. Results also portrayed that the test temperature and STA treatment equally influenced the wear behavior of alloy 718.

Effects of pre-heating induced interfacial diffusion on microstructure and related mechanical properties of direct laser metal deposited Inconel 625 superalloy on a Cu-Cr-Zr substrate

Copper-based alloys possess outstanding thermal and electrical conductivity, making them popular in the electronic and aerospace industries. However, its low hardness makes it vulnerable to failure in harsh service environments, which require surface coating. By using the direct laser metal deposition method to coat harder alloys on the surface of Cu alloys, the challenge of this copper alloy's high laser reflectivity was noted. To solve this problem, both substrate preheating and high-power LMD methods were employed, which established an excellent metallurgical bonding between the coating and substrate with a 2 μm diffusion layer and enhanced the Cu-Cr-Zr substrate's hardness and wear resistance. Due to the presence of copper elements in the fusion zone, the constituent supercooling zone is increased, resulting in a finer columnar crystal structure in the fusion zone. Such elements exchange process during LMD produces will also improve the mechanical properties of the Cu-Cr-Zr substrate by solid solution strengthening.

Tailoring microstructural evolution in laser deposited nickel-aluminum bronze alloy by controlling water cooling condition

Inspired by the application requirements of underwater in-situ repair of nickel-aluminum bronze (NAB), the study proposes whether the water-cooling conditions are conducive to forming an appropriate cooling rate during the repair process to prevent the formation of coarse κ phases. The appropriate cooling rates of underwater repair has been preliminarily verified through numerical simulation. Then onshore laser direct metal deposition (DMD) and underwater laser direct metal deposition (UDMD) technologies are employed to the repair of the trapezoidal grooves on NAB substrates. The experimental results show that the rapid cooling rates during UDMD result in a unique microstructure. Compared to DMD repaired samples, the width of the interlayer heat-affected zone and the average size of nano κⅡ phase are reduced, no κⅣ precipitates were observed in any of the repaired samples. An interesting finding is that the κⅢ phases are dispersively precipitated in the matrix. Both the tensile specimens fail in the substrate zone rather than the repaired zone. However, the thermal exposure on the substrate during deposition causes slight growth of the κⅡ phase in the heat-affected zone. The tensile strength of the samples repaired by DMD and UDMD is reduced by approximately 7 % compared to the cast substrate. This study proves the feasibility of in-situ underwater repair for large copper alloy components and can also provide new process references for controlling the evolution of microstructures through external environmental conditions during alloy manufacturing.

Insights into Machining Techniques for Additively Manufactured Ti6Al4V Alloy: A Comprehensive Review

Investigation into the post-processing machinability of Ti6Al4V alloy is increasingly crucial in the manufacturing industry, particularly in the machining of additively manufactured (AM) Ti6Al4V alloy to ensure effective machining parameters. This review article summarizes various AM techniques and machining processes for Ti6Al4V alloy. It focuses on powder-based fusion AM techniques such as electron beam melting (EBM), selected laser melting (SLM), and direct metal deposition (DMD). The review addresses key aspects of machining Ti6Al4V alloy, including machining parameters, residual stress effects, hardness, microstructural changes, and surface defects introduced during the additive manufacturing (AM) process. Additionally, it covers the qualification process for machined components and the optimization of cutting parameters. It also examines the application of finite element analysis (FEA) in post-processing methods for Ti6Al4V alloy. The review reveals a scarcity of articles addressing the significance of post-processing methods and the qualification process for machined parts of Ti6Al4V alloy fabricated using such AM techniques. Consequently, this article focuses on the AM-based techniques for Ti6Al4V alloy parts to evaluate and understand the performance of the Johnson–Cook (J–C) model in predicting flow stress and cutting forces during machining of the alloy.

Laser Direct Structuring of Millable BN‐AlN Ceramic for Three‐Dimensional (3D) Components

This research introduces a novel process for the direct metallization of the composite ceramic BN‐AlN, a millable, high‐temperature resistant material, using laser direct structuring (LDS). LDS is, for example, used for molded interconnect devices (MIDs), to integrate mechanical and electronic functions into a single 3D structure. Traditionally, MIDs have relied on polymers, but increasing thermal demands in electronics are shifting focus toward ceramic substrates like BN‐AlN, which offer superior thermal stability and mechanical strength. Herein, electronic infrastructures are applied onto milled BN‐AlN 3D components through a parameter study on laser activation and electroless copper deposition, followed by the development of a sequential copper–nickel–gold (CuNiAu) deposition process. The laser structuring reveals small grains of elemental aluminum on the surface, which directly catalyzes metal reduction in the electroless copper deposition. The duration and temperature of the copper electroplating process are found to influence the nuclei size and layer thickness. A palladium chloride treatment, as well as additional etching steps during the CuNiAu layer deposition, shows promising results. The metallized BN‐AlN substrates are characterized for adhesion, contact reliability, resistivity, and thermal stability. The findings demonstrate the process's suitability for high‐temperature applications, highlighting its potential for advancing electronic system integration.

Co/Er2O3/C ternary nanocomposites derived from cobalt/erbium Prussian blue analogs for efficient microwave absorption

This study presents the synthesis of Er[Co(CN)6], a Prussian blue analog (ErCo-PBA) with varied morphology, fabricated by modulating the solvent ratio between C2H6O and H2O. This approach leverages the solubility characteristics of K3[Co(CN)6] and the consequential influence of C2H6O on the crystal growth. When the solvent ratios are 1:8, 8:1, and 1:1, the resulting ErCo-PBA precursors nanorods, irregular particles, and spindle-shaped particles, respectively. After annealing, these precursors in an Ar environment allowed the Co/Er2O3/C derivatives to retain the morphology of the precursor well. Electromagnetic parameters testing revealed that Co/Er2O3/C-1 exhibits superior electromagnetic wave-absorbing (EMWA) performance among the synthesized derivatives with an effective absorption bandwidth of 5.1 GHz at 1.85 mm and a minimum reflection loss of −56.7 dB at 2.9 mm. The incorporation of Er2O3 is an effective method for adjusting and optimizing the electromagnetic parameters of materials, thereby enhancing the EMWA performance of Co/Er2O3/C composite. This study highlights the potential of rare-earth oxide/Co/C composites, synthesized through direct annealing rare-earth metal–organic frameworks, as an absorber and are promising candidate to achieve high-efficiency electromagnetic wave absorption.

Azobenzene as an Effective Ligand in Europium Chemistry-A Synthetic and Theoretical Study.

The preparation and characterization of two novel europium-azobenzene complexes that demonstrate the effectiveness of this ligand for stabilizing reactive, redox-active metals are reported. With the family of rare earth metals receiving attention due to their potential as catalysts, critical components in electronic devices, and, more recently, in biomedical applications, a detailed understanding of factors contributing to their coordination chemistry is of great importance for customizing their stability and reactivity. This study introduces azobenzene as an effective nonprotic ligand system that provides novel insights into rare earth metal coordination preferences, including factors contributing to the coordinative saturation of the large, divalent europium centers. The two compounds demonstrate the impact of the solvent donors (tetrahydrofuran (THF) and dimethoxyethane (DME)) on the overall coordination chemistry of the target compounds. Apart from the side-on coordination of the doubly-reduced azobenzene and the anticipated N-N bond elongation due to decreased bond order, the two compounds demonstrate the propensity of the europium centers towards limited metal-π interactions. The target compounds are available by direct metallation in a straightforward manner with good yields and purity. The compounds demonstrate the utility of the azobenzene ligands, which may function as singly- or doubly-reduced entities in conjunction with redox-active metals. An initial exploration into the computational modeling of these and similar complexes for subsequent property prediction and optimization is performed through a methodological survey of structure reproduction using density functional theory.

The Current Potential of Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) in Fixed Prosthodontics

The Current Potential of Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) in Fixed Prosthodontics

New AGN diagnostic diagrams based on the [OIII]λ4363 auroral line

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is revolutionizing our understanding of black hole formation and growth in the early Universe. However, JWST has also revealed that some of the classical diagnostics, such as the Baldwin, Phillips & Terlevich (BPT) diagrams and X-ray emission, often fail to identify active galactic nuclei (AGN) at high redshift and low metallicity. Here we present three new rest-frame optical diagnostic diagrams to identify narrow-line Type II AGN, leveraging the [OIII]λ4363 auroral line, which has been detected in several JWST spectra. Specifically, we show that high values of the [OIII]λ 4363 / Hγ ratio provide a sufficient (but not necessary) condition to identify the presence of an AGN, based on empirical calibrations (using local and high-redshift sources) and on a broad range of photoionization models. These diagnostics are able to separate much of the AGN population from star-forming galaxies (SFGs): the average energy of an AGN’s ionizing photons is higher than that of young stars in SFGs, and hence AGN can more efficiently heat the gas, thus boosting the [OIII]λ4363 line. We also found independent indications of AGN activity in some high-redshift sources (z > 4) that were not previously identified as AGN with the traditional diagnostics diagrams, but that are placed in the AGN region of the diagnostic presented in this work. We note, conversely, that low values of [OIII]λ 4363 / Hγ can be associated either with SFGs or AGN excitation. We note that the fact that strong auroral lines are often associated with AGN does not imply that they cannot be used for direct metallicity measurements (provided that proper ionization corrections are applied), but it does affect the calibration of strong line metallicity diagnostics.

Surface Roughness Effects on Heat Transfer in Additive Manufactured Microchannels: A CFD Study

Abstract Microchannel heat exchangers are widely used in applications where compactness and efficient heat transfer are essential. The difficulty of producing metal microchannels with conventional techniques leads to the adoption of additive manufacturing, such as Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS), which offers unprecedented design freedom but introduces relevant surface roughness, impacting heat transfer phenomena. The objective of this research is to methodically examine the impact of roughness factors on heat transfer through Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analyses. In particular, the parametric study focuses on one specific spatial parameter, the roughness Correlation Length (CL), to consider the spatial distribution of surface features. This parameter offers a more thorough analysis than the commonly used Average Roughness (Ra ) and Root Mean Square Roughness (Rq ). Specifically, two types of rough surfaces are investigated: isotropic and anisotropic, to capture the complex interplay between surface roughness and heat transfer more accurately. This research advances understanding regarding the effects of surface roughness on heat transfer, advocating for the adoption of comprehensive spatial parameters for its accurate characterization. Additionally, the findings provide crucial insights for optimizing thermal management systems, guiding engineers in improving heat transfer efficiency in additively manufactured microchannels.

Wideband Air‐Filled Coaxial Filter Line

ABSTRACTA design for manufacturing (DFM) of a well‐performing wideband coaxial filter line using direct metal laser sintering (DMLS) additive manufacturing is proposed. The demonstrated transmission line is an air‐filled coaxial line chosen for low loss and consistent group delay over the bandwidth. Transmission line theory is used first to account for the impact of the shorted stub needed to support the central conductor. Deviations due to parasitics are described to transition the design from an ideal model to a physical prototype. The constraints inherent in DMLS are discussed and accounted for throughout the DFM. This process is demonstrated with a prototype having return and insertion losses of greater than 10 dB and less than 1.64 dB, respectively, over a 5.3:1 bandwidth from 6.4 to 33.9 GHz with a flat group delay of 129 ps ± 7%.

In-vitro study of Ti6Al4V alloy fabricated by laser-based additive manufacturing for orthopedic implant applications

The Ti6Al4V alloy is widely used in orthopedic implants due to its excellent mechanical properties and biocompatibility. However, traditional manufacturing techniques are unable to fabricate complex geometrical shapes with tailored properties. This leads to premature failure due to wear, corrosion, and poor osseointegration. Recent advancements in laser-based additive manufacturing, particularly in direct metal laser sintering (DMLS), offer new opportunities to produce Ti6Al4V implants with tailored microstructures, mechanical properties, and biocompatibility. However, wear, corrosion, and cell viability behavior, required for evaluating the biomedical applicability of Ti6Al4V alloy produced through the DMLS route have not been reported. The present study fulfills this gap in the literature. Micro structural study revealed that DMLS-produced Ti6Al4V has a porous and fine grain structure (with mostly α′ phase) without any crack formation due to the controlled parameters during DMLS. Corrosion tests were conducted in simulated body fluid as an electrolytic media, while fibroblast cell lines were used to evaluate the cell viability. Compared to the conventional cast product, DMLS-produced Ti6Al4V alloy exhibited significantly higher porosity (4.8 times), scratch resistance (23.25%), wear resistance (11.53%), corrosion resistance (16.56%), and cell growth. (4.37%), thus making it a more suitable alloy for implants.

A study on the machinability of DMLS In718 alloy using an electro-spark machining process

ABSTRACT The direct metal laser sintering process is used to develop the nickel base superalloy DMLS In718 for the experimentation. The DMLS In718 alloy is evaluated to ensure the metallurgical qualities and mechanical properties. Microstructure of the DMLS In718 alloy is anisotropic in nature and the hatch bands are clear to infer. The hardness of the DMLS In718 is 275 Hv which equivalent to the commercially available inconel718 material. the mechanical strength and density of the DMLS In718 alloy is justifiable to the commercial material. The machining studies are performed with electro spark erosion process to report on surface quality, kerf taper and material removal rate. the minimum pulse on time has produced a fine surface quality compared to the maximum process condition. The surface topography in terms of oxide scale and recast layers are identified during to inefficient process conditions. This paper was an opportunity to deliberate the machining quality of the wire electro spark process.

An In Vitro Comparison of Marginal Fit of Single-Unit Copings Fabricated Using Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Aided Manufacturing Zirconia, Direct Metal Laser Sintering and Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal.

The marginal fit of dental restorations is essential for longevity and effectiveness of fixed prostheses, particularly single-unit crowns. Direct digital scanning offers significant advantages over indirect methods, providing a non-invasive, accurate, and reproducible means to evaluate marginal fit. This study aimed to assess the marginal fit of single-unit copings fabricated using computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) zirconia, direct metal laser sintering (DMLS), and porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) utilizing direct three-dimensional (3D) scanning. The current in vitro investigation involved 60 right mandibular second premolar typodont teeth (Dentmark, Ambala, Haryana, India) designated for single-unit fixed dental prostheses. The specimens were categorized into three groups of 20 specimens each. Direct scanning for all groups was performed using the Helios 500 intraoral scanner (Orikam Healthcare India Pvt. Ltd., Haryana, India). Upon fabrication, all copings were directly scanned using a 3D scanner (Shining 3D EX Pro, California, USA). Marginal discrepancies were assessed using the Exocad software (CAD software, Darmstadt, Germany). Mean marginal discrepancies of zirconia, DMLS, and PFM copings were evaluated and compared. Zirconia copings had the lowest mean discrepancy of 0.0172 mmwhereas DMLS copings had a mean discrepancy of 0.0256 mm. The PFM copings had the highest mean discrepancy of 0.0375 mm. A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicated a significant difference in the marginal fit (p < 0.05). Post-hoc Tukey test comparisons revealed significant differences between the three groups (p < 0.05). In conclusion, CAD/CAM-fabricated zirconia crowns exhibit superior marginal fit compared to DMLS and PFM copings, owing to precise digital design, milling, and material stability. DMLS copings, although less precise, still outperform PFM crowns, which display significant marginal gaps owing to the limitations of the lost-wax method.

Microbial fuel cells: A potent and sustainable solution for heavy metal removal

The global water pollution problem is becoming increasingly crucial. One of the major contributors to water pollution is the presence of heavy metals. Heavy metals pose significant threat to both humans and all ecosystems. Various factors influence the removal of heavy metals from wastewater, including pH, temperature, natural organic matter (NOM), and ionic strength, which vary based on the chemical properties of the pollutants. More effective and modern approaches receive attention and extensively researched to substitute traditional methods such as adsorption, membrane filtration, and chemical-based separation. Among these methods, Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are particularly intriguing. This review article focuses on MFCs and their potential applications in various fields, including clean water production. MFCs represent an innovative technology that not only generates electricity, but also demonstrates significant potential for heavy metal removal from wastewater. Cathodic chamber of MFCs effectively reduces heavy metals, while organic substrates act as carbon and electron donors in the anodic chamber. Through various mechanisms, including direct and indirect metal reduction, biofilm formation (metal sequestering), electron shuttling, and synergistic interactions among microbial communities, microorganisms exhibit remarkable efficiency in removing metals. Studies showed that dual- and single-chamber MFCs could efficiently remove a range of heavy metals, including chromium, cobalt, copper, vanadium, mercury, gold, selenium, lead, magnesium, manganese, zinc, and sodium, while simultaneously generating electricity, achieving high removal efficiencies ranging from 25% to 99.95%. This range of efficiency varies depending on the specific contaminant being targeted, the concentration of the contaminant, as well as the operating conditions such as pH and temperature. Moreover, MFCs demonstrated a wide range of power outputs, typically ranging from 0.15 W/m² to 6.58 W/m², depending on the specific configuration and conditions. These findings underscore the potential of MFCs as a sustainable and efficient approach for both wastewater treatment and energy generation.

Ionic liquid-functionalized ZnO nanomaterial: Multifunctional additives enhancing tribological performance and corrosion resistance in ester oil

A multifunctional nanomaterial (ZnO-IL), comprising zinc oxide modified with corrosion-resistant ionic liquid groups, was designed and synthesized. It was used as an additive in bis(2-ethylhexyl) sebacate (DIOS) to evaluate its tribological and corrosion resistance properties, and compared with the commercial additive sulfurized isobutylene (SIB). ZnO-IL exhibited good solubility and thermal stability in DIOS. Lubricants containing ZnO-IL showed excellent anti-wear performance under various loads and temperatures. Its deposition on metal surfaces and the synergistic action of benzotriazole groups in the anions effectively prevented corrosion on the surfaces of metal friction pairs, thereby addressing the challenge of friction pair corrosion caused by the hydrolysis of ester-based oils. The ZnO-IL nanomaterial rapidly formed an organic-inorganic multilayer adsorption film on metal surfaces through electrostatic interactions. During friction, a boundary lubrication film composed of ZnO deposition and friction chemical reaction films was formed, thereby avoiding direct metal contact, reducing contact pressure, and exhibiting outstanding friction reduction and anti-wear properties.

Laser additive manufacturing of metal-ceramic materials

The study explores the possibility of manufacturing metal-ceramic materials using two laser manufacturing technologies: Direct Metal Deposition (DMD) and Laser Surface Cladding (LSC). The physical phenomena occurring in these technologies are demonstrated. Similarity laws are applied to describe the geometric characteristics of clad tracks. The structure-phase composition of the resulting coatings is determined using synchrotron radiation. Mechanical properties are measured.