Structural characteristics and mechanical properties of aluminium oxide thin films prepared by off-plane filtered cathodic vacuum arc system

Z. W. Zhao, B. K. Tay*, D. Sheeja

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

15 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Transparent and smooth alumina thin films have been deposited on Si (1 0 0 ) and quartz substrates at low temperature by an off-plane double bend filtered cathodic vacuum arc (FCVA) system, which is slightly different from traditional vacuum arc system. The films were analysed using X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoemission spectroscopy to investigate the crystalline and chemical characteristics of these thin films. The films displayed a very smooth surface morphology, which were verified from AFM and SEM. The compressive stress, hardness and Young's modulus of aluminium oxide thin films deposited under varying oxygen partial pressure were investigated, and compared with that by other technologies. Friction coefficient of stoichiometric film against steel and DLC balls were analysed by tribometer (pin-on-disk), respectively. The deposited stoichiometric aluminium oxide thin films possess good optical properties. The results show that the alumina thin films prepared by FCVA technology have potential applications as wear-resistance coatings and optical coatings.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)234-239
Number of pages6
JournalSurface and Coatings Technology
Volume167
Issue number2-3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Apr 22 2003
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus Subject Areas

  • General Chemistry
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Surfaces and Interfaces
  • Surfaces, Coatings and Films
  • Materials Chemistry

Keywords

  • Aluminium oxide
  • Filtered cathodic vacuum arc technology
  • Thin film

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Structural characteristics and mechanical properties of aluminium oxide thin films prepared by off-plane filtered cathodic vacuum arc system'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this