Microstructure and micro-mechanical characterization of “smart” commercial and experimental nano-structured coatings (within the EU EXCELL NoE 515703-2 NMP3-CT-2005-515703 / VINF www.vinf.eu and project with Qatar University: Advanced ultra-hard Nanostructured Coatings for innovative applications in mechanical and chemical industries, NPRP 5-423-2-167 project).