**2.2. Applications of composite coatings**

Composite coatings have been successfully used to overcome high temperature corrosion, oxidation and wear in many ground breaking applications. Nickel coatings with 8-10 volume % of silicon carbide are used to increase the life of internal combustion engine cylinder bores and in portable chain saws. Composite coatings based on chromium carbide in a cobalt matrix are used as wear-resistant coatings in gas turbines, where they are required to perform for extended periods at temperatures of up to 8000 C. Chromium deposits with alumina inclusions are used in piston rings for diesel engines. Single crystal diamonds locked into a nickel matrix form the cutting-edge in tools such as chainsaws, grinding disks or dental drills [31].
