The project is developed to generate fundamental knowledge on the decomposition mechanisms of metalorganic (MO) precursors that are used for the preparation of coatings composed of complex metallic alloys (CMA) by metalorganic chemical vapour deposition (M OCVD). Such coatings present an extraordinary combination of properties that are mutually excluding in conventional materials.Unfortunately, these properties are attained within a very narrow compositional range. The project is also developed to apply this attainment for the understanding and the optimization of the processing route and of the properties of such films. This goal is related to the Priority Thematic Area 1.1.3 of FP6 and is complementary with the CMA network of excellence.The proposed research deals with the experimental investigation of conversions in the multi-component system upon MOCVD of CMA coatings to reveal decomposition mechanisms of MO precursors and interaction of components of the system. It is expected to combine investigation o f elemental mechanisms of thermal conversion and phenomena occurring in coating growth conditions in MOCVD environment.The proposed strategy is based on the integrated investigation combining both the reacting gas phase and the resulting solid phase. Analysis of gas phase will be performed using two MS techniques: in situ and on-line. A time-of-flight MS technique will be developed during the return phase to investigate dissociative adsorption of MO complexes on metallic surfaces.Combination of the two M S techniques produces an added value which allows, through the correlation of data obtained by both of them, producing a convenient and relatively inexpensive approach for the investigation of decomposition mechanisms in the multi-component gas-solid systems. Deliverables will contribute to increase Europe's competitiveness in advanced technologies for the fabrication of metallic coatings.