A thermal inkjet printhead with bubble forming heater elements formed from
a material with a nanocrystalline composite structure.Nanocrystalline
composite films can be superhard and can facilitate removal of the SiC
and Ta anti-cavitation wear coatings. Improved oxidation resistance can
also be achieved with some nanocrystalline composites, facilitating
removal of the Si.sub.3N.sub.4 oxidation prevention coating. By removing
or reducing the protective coatings, the heater element requires much
less energy to form a bubble in the ink. A further benefit is improved
crack resistance, which can extend the lifetime of uncoated heaters.