Interface structure and formation between gold and trimethylcyclohexane polycarbonate

This paper presents the results of a systematic investigation of structure and formation of the interface between gold and trimethylcyclohexane polyca rbonate, particularly concerning interface evolvement during gold evaporati on and the influence of evaporation rate, substrate temperature, and subseq uent annealing. The means of investigation were cross-sectional transmissio n electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and x-ray photoelectron spe ctroscopy. Extensive metal diffusion into the polymer and cluster formation near the interface were observed at deposition rates of the order of one m onolayer per minute and below. The penetration depth is strongly temperatur e dependent. At high evaporation rates metal aggregation at the surface pre vents cluster formation inside the polymer. No diffusion into the polymer w as observed from metal films deposited at room temperature after extensive annealing at elevated temperatures.