The increasing requirement for high technology materials with specific performance characteristics in various types of environments has dictated that these materials possess near-surface properties different from their bulk properties. Surface and Coatings Technology is a principal forum for the interchange of information on the science, technology and applications of thin and thick coatings and modified surfaces which alter the properties of materials. The scope includes all types of coatings and surface modification techniques (including physical vapour deposition, chemical vapour deposition, electroplating and surface modification by directed energy techniques). Of particular emphasis are the emerging advanced processes such as thermal spraying, sputter deposition, activated reactive evaporation, ion plating, molecular beam epitaxy, ion implantation and pulsed laser surface deposition. Contributions range from original scientific articles concerned with applied research or direct applications of coatings to reviews of current technology in specific areas. Articles are solicited on topics which include one or more of the following areas: (1) characterization of coatings and modified surfaces, which includes the determination of composition, structure, adhesion, and internal stresses; (2) the application of coatings and modified surfaces to alter the mechanical, chemical or optical properties of materials. Mechanical properties include friction, wear, erosion, hardness and load bearing capacity. Chemical properties include corrosion and oxidation. Optical and electro-optical properties include reflectivity, selective absorption and electroluminescence. Particular emphasis is also placed on the emerging surface engineering technologies and coatings with a diversity of applications such as diamond, diamond-like carbon, and cubic borin nitride. Other interdisciplinary areas include thermal barrier coatings and coatings for biomedical applications, materials conservation, and environmental applications. Technical Notes are also solicited for the Current Industrial Practices section which is intended for more engineering-oriented articles which should include, for example, developments of coatings deposition equipment (including production systems) and cost/benefit analysis for specific types of coatings.