Metallurgical coatings 1988 is a compilation of the proceedings of the 15th International Conference on Metallurgical Coatings. This volume is divided into four parts, which deal with synthesis and properties of coatings used in microelectronic applications; methods of characterizing coatings and modified surfaces; protective coatings for magnetic and optical thin film media; and thick and thin film censors. The first part of this volume is further subdivided into five sections focusing on thin film barrier layers, metallization for VLSI circuits, thin films used in packaging technology, new materials and emerging technologies and synthesis and microstructure of high Tc superconductors. The second part is also subdivided into four sections, each presenting different methods, such as the surface and thin film analysis techniques, microstructural characterization techniques, mechanical properties of films and coatings, and non-destructive characterization techniques. Part three discusses the preparation and characterization of reactively sputtered silicon nitride thin films, the bond structures and properties of chemically vapor-deposited amorphous SiC, and the wear of Co-Ni thin film magnetic recording tape against metallic and ceramic surfaces. Finally, this volume explores the insert-mounted thin film sensors for real-time.