Cu/Mo nanostructured alloy thin films

The synthesis of nanostructured materials was pioneered by the inert gas co ndensation and compaction technique. We investigate magnetron sputtering as an alternative processing route in comparison with thermal evaporation. We have studied the elaboration process and alloy formation by annealing as a function of molybdenum content. The sputtered material was investigated by means of X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, electron dispers ion spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy and Vickers hardness tester. The results indicate that Cu/Mo alloys are semi-hard nanostructures with colors that change from black to yellow-golden when the Mo content increases. Har d nanostructured composite alloys were obtained at 500 degrees C only at hi gh Mo content. The yellow-golden alloys can be considered as molybdenum bro nzes and can be used for integrated circuits (IC), electrical contacts, met allic resistors and high voltage sockets.