An axial tension-compression testing machine was used to compare the t
ension and fatigue performance of the specimens with and without coati
ngs grown by physical vapor deposition process. The surface morphology
of the coating layers was examined utilizing a scanning electron micr
oscope and an optical microscope. It was found that the application of
surface films did not affect the Young's modulus and yield points but
did little decrease the fracture strain. For fatigue, the application
of the surface coatings improved the endurance limit by 20-40 MPa. (C
) 1998 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.