**Contribution to experimental research on the structural-phase, elemental composition, physical-mechanical and tribological properties of hard nanostructured coatings and thin films obtained by PVD (magnetron sputtering), Arc-PVD (vacuum arc deposition), and DS (detonation spraying) methods**
**The most important scientific results achieved by D.K. Eskermesov over the past 5 years include:**
- The influence of physical deposition parameters on the elemental composition and phase structure of multicomponent nanostructured nitride coatings based on (Zr-Ti-Nb)N obtained by vacuum arc deposition was analyzed using complementary analytical methods.
- It was found that the main phase in the ternary coatings is a face-centered cubic (FCC) solid solution with a preferred (111) growth texture, along with a small volume fraction of a body-centered cubic (BCC) phase with a (110) growth texture.
- Experimental measurements of hardness revealed the highest values in (Zr-Ti-Nb)N coatings – 37–45 GPa, and (Zr-Ti-Nb-Cr)N coatings – 31–44 GPa, while the addition of silicon (Si) resulted in a decrease in hardness to 24–29 GPa.
- It was shown that increasing the chamber pressure from 0.05 to 0.3–0.7 Pa, and in some cases increasing the substrate bias from –100 V to –200 V, leads to improved adhesion of the coatings to the substrate.
- The obtained results have been published in high-impact international journals indexed in Web of Science and Scopus, as well as in domestic journals included in the list of the Committee for Quality Assurance in Science and Higher Education of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan (MSHE RK). The findings have also been presented at prestigious international conferences.
**International scientific collaboration:**
D.K. Eskermesov actively collaborates with leading researchers from global scientific institutions. He maintains close scientific cooperation with Professor Waqar Ahmed's group from the School of Mathematics and Physics at the University of Lincoln (Lincoln, UK), as well as Professor Martin Birkett, head of the Engineering Materials and Mechanics group at Northumbria University (Newcastle, UK), and Professor Ian Scowen. The results of these collaborations have been well-acknowledged within the scientific community, especially among experts engaged in the synthesis of multifunctional coatings using various deposition techniques.
**Scientific internships and awards:**
- In 2022–2023, he completed a one-year research internship at the University of Lincoln (UK) within the School of Mathematics and Physics under the "Bolashak" international scholarship program, as part of the "500 Scholars" initiative.
- From August 1 to 25, 2023, he participated in an internship at the Tianjin Vocational Institute (Tianjin, China) under the “Kazakhstan Luban Workshop” project.
- From September 9 to 22, 2024, he undertook an internship at the Faculty of Chemistry and Geosciences, Vilnius University, Lithuania.
- In 2021, he received the Ust-Kamenogorsk Akim’s Award in the category “Young Scientist of the Year – Alau 2021” for his contribution to the implementation of state youth policy.
- In 2022, he was awarded a certificate of merit by the Chairman of the Board–Rector Zh. Shaimardanov in the category “Young Scientist of the Year with a High Hirsch Index.”
**Participation in grant-funded projects (GF and PCF):**
4. AP08857579 – “Development of adaptive nanocomposite coatings for extreme tribological applications” (2020–2022, funded by the MES RK Science Committee) – researcher.
5. AP09261164 – “Improvement of corrosion and erosion wear resistance of steel elements in thermal power station boilers” (2021–2023, funded by the MES RK Science Committee) – researcher.
- In 2023, for his dedicated work and contribution to the development of education and science in the Republic of Kazakhstan, he received a Letter of Appreciation from the Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Sayasat Nurbek.
1. BR24992854 – “Development and implementation of competitive, scientifically grounded technologies to ensure sustainable development of the mining and metallurgical industry in East Kazakhstan region” (2024–2026, funded by the MSHE RK Science Committee) – researcher.
2. BR24992862 – “Development of innovative technologies and new materials for the creation of next-generation domestic medical implants” (2024–2026, funded by the MSHE RK Science Committee) – researcher.
3. AP22683206 – “Investigation and development of Ti-Au-based coatings by PVD for biomedical applications with improved mechanical properties” (2024–2026, within the 'Zhas Galym' project, funded by the MSHE RK) – scientific advisor to a postdoctoral fellow.
**Successfully implemented projects:**
- In 2021, the project AP09563455 – “Development of a combined treatment method for medical titanium alloy via plasma-electrolytic oxidation followed by detonation calcium-phosphate coating deposition” – was successfully completed under his leadership.
- In 2024, the grant project AP23490818 – “Improvement of wear resistance of pump plungers used in the oil and gas industry for chemical reagent dosing” – was approved for funding by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
**Contribution to student mentoring and institutional scientific development:**
Through active supervision of students, master’s and PhD students, participation in competitions, and development of research activities within the International School of Engineering and the Center of Physics, D.K. Eskermesov contributes significantly to the scientific advancement of the university. (e.g., E.S. Sagymbekova – 3rd Degree NIRS Diploma winner).
