Multi-component nitride coatings – where to next ?

What is it about?

Multi-component (MC) materials are made up of at least five components. The demand for MC materials has risen recently. This is due to a property called "high entropy." High entropy materials have well mixed layers. This gives them interesting properties, including resistance to oxidation, corrosion, and radiation. If we make these materials in a nitrogen atmosphere, we can obtain materials that contain nitrogen, called MC nitrides. These are an exciting new class of materials. However, their structure is difficult to simulate. Every new component adds a new level of complexity. This leads to an expensive and long computing time. In this study, the author focuses on MC nitride coatings. They explore solutions to shorten the computing time needed to create them. A strong candidate for this is machine learning. Artificial intelligence methods can "learn" the effects of certain components on the properties. We can then use this information to design new and more impressive materials.

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Photo by Possessed Photography on Unsplash

Photo by Possessed Photography on Unsplash

Why is it important?

High entropy MC nitrides have impressive properties. What is interesting is that these properties are controllable. Thanks to machine learning, we could pick and choose the properties a material can have based on its composition. This powerful tool would make waves in many industries. We cannot wait to see what is next in store. KEY TAKEAWAY: MC nitrides are a new and exciting class of materials. They have promising properties with myriad applications. However, their development depends on long simulations. Machine learning can be used to make the simulations faster and cheaper. They can help design new and better materials.