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Discussion of a possible third carbon bonding state in PVD-deposited metal carbide / amorphous carbon nanocomposite thin films and its impact on mechanical and electrical properties

Erik Lewin 1,  Ola Wilhelmsson 1,  Ulf Jansson 1,  Michael Steuber 2,  Jeurgen Halbritter 2,  Carlos Ziebert 2,  Sven Ulrich 2,  Dieter Schild 2

1. Uppsala University, Department of Materials Chemistry, Angstrom Laboratory, Uppsala, Sweden
2. Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe (FZK), Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz1, Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany, Karlsruhe D-76344, Germany

Abstract

In thin film composite systems of nanocrystalline metal carbide particles or clusters embedded in an amorphous carbon matrix the standard model of the microstructure suggests two bonding states for the carbon: C-C bonds, both in sp2 and sp3 configuration, and carbidic C-Me bonds. In spectroscopic measurements of sufficient resolution it is hence expected that two states can be observed. Already since the early 1990:s there have however been several publications where a third bonding state for carbon has been observed for nanocomposite nc-TiC/a-C thin films. Explanations have varied and no consensus of the nature of this third state exists.1-6

We have prepared nc-TiC/a-C samples of various chemical composition by non-reactive DC-magnetron sputtering. These samples have been evaluated using XPS and XRD, and either their mechanical or electrical properties have been measured using nanoindentation and four-point-probe methods. Variations in C1s sub-peak intensities for samples of different carbon-content have been observed and the film properties are discussed in the light of these features. The nature of this third carbon state and its possible impact on film properties and role in design of coatings will be discussed. Two models of the nature of this new carbon state will be suggested requiring future, more detailed research studies.

1 V. Schier et al, Fresenius Journal od Analytical Chemistry 346, 227-232 (1993)
2 B. Hornetz et al, Fresenius Journal od Analytical Chemistry 349, 233-235 (1994)
3 J. Luthin et al, Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research B 182, 218-226 (2001)
4 M. Steuber et al, Surface and Coatings Technology 150, 218-226 (2002)
5 A. Mani et al, Surface and Coatings Technology 194, 190-195 (2005)
6 E. Lewin et al, Journal of Appplied Physics Submitted (2005)
 

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Presentation: Oral at E-MRS Fall Meeting 2006, Symposium A, by Erik Lewin
See On-line Journal of E-MRS Fall Meeting 2006

Submitted: 2006-05-15 16:19
Revised:   2009-06-07 00:44