The first two major research projects to be undertaken by the Unit are:

• Nanostructured and nanocomposite thin films for protective coatings and solid lubricant applications: the objective is to produce a new generation of high performance protective coatings with a unique combination of hardness-ductility-stiffness. In particular, hybrid carbon/metal and ceramic/metal nanocomposite coatings of intermediate thickness will be developed. These multimaterials will consist of DLC and SiC matrices with inclusions of metals (e.g., Ti, Ag) and intermetallic alloys. A second class of materials to be developed during the tenure of the project involves all-carbon nanostructured coatings consisting of diamond nanoinclusions embedded in ta-C or a-C:H, with varying amounts of N, for enhanced solid lubricant and tribological applications (e.g., cutting tools, engine parts, etc).
• New nanostructured selective coatings for solar thermal energy applications: we plan to develop a new class of DLC absorber coatings (from ta-C) that can be tailored to absorb at lower energies (2.5 eV), approaching the peak region of the solar radiation spectrum, by controlling the sp2/sp3 hybrid ratio, while at the same time maintaining high hardness and scratch resistance. We will also produce DLC with transition metal (e.g. Ti, Zr, V, etc.) nanoinclusions that are anticipated to improve the film s toughness and optical absorption in the Vis-UV spectral range. Furthermore, we are planning to reinforce the DLC matrix with nanodiamond and carbon nanotube inclusions to enhance mechanical and thermal properties.

Beyond these specific research projects, the Unit's mandate include more general activities such as education and training of new researchers, organisation of forums and conferences, preparing the groundwork for the establishment of a Standardized Materials Testing Centre in Cyprus and serving as incubator for spin-off companies.