K. Koski et al., Characterisation of aluminium oxide thin films deposited on polycarbonate substrates by reactive magnetron sputtering, MAT SCI E B, 65(2), 1999, pp. 94-105
Amorphous aluminium oxide thin films were deposited on polycarbonate substr
ates by direct current (d.c.) reactive magnetron sputtering. The thicknesse
s of the thin films varied between 250 nm and 3.0 mu m. The phenomena durin
g the processing were investigated by mass spectrometer connected directly
to the process chamber. Hydrocarbon radicals were observed during the plasm
a treatment. The thin films properties of interest were nanohardness, elast
ic modulus, adhesion force, film density, ratios of Al/O and Ar/Al, and tra
nsmittance. Film cracking was observed probably due to high residual stress
es. Thermal stress represented slight compressive nature. Improved thin fil
m performance was observed when the substrates were pre-treated with argon
plasma. Cross-linking and chemical modifications of the substrate occurred
due to VUV-radiation of plasma. The XPS results showed the breakage of C=O
and C-H bonds at the surface of the treated substrates. (C) 1999 Elsevier S
cience S.A. All rights reserved.