Effect of Cr Atom Plasma Emission Intensity on the Characteristics of Cr-DLC Films Deposited by Pulsed-DC Magnetron Sputtering

<b>: </b>A pulsed-dc (direct current) magnetron sputtering with a plasma emission monitor (PEM) system was applied to synthesize Cr-containing hydrogenated amorphous diamond-like carbon (Cr-DLC) films using a large-size industrial Cr target. The plasma emission intensity of a Cr atom at...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Guang Li, Yi Xu, Yuan Xia
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2020-06-01
Series:Coatings
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2079-6412/10/7/608
Description
Summary:<b>: </b>A pulsed-dc (direct current) magnetron sputtering with a plasma emission monitor (PEM) system was applied to synthesize Cr-containing hydrogenated amorphous diamond-like carbon (Cr-DLC) films using a large-size industrial Cr target. The plasma emission intensity of a Cr atom at 358 nm wavelength was characterized by optical emission spectrometer (OES). C<sub>2</sub>H<sub>2</sub> gas flow rate was precisely adjusted to obtain a stable plasma emission intensity. The relationships between Cr atom plasma emission intensity and the element concentration, cross-sectional morphology, deposition rate, microstructure, mechanical properties, and tribological properties of Cr-DLC films were investigated. Scanning electron microscope and Raman spectra were employed to analyze the chemical composition and microstructure, respectively. The mechanical and tribological behaviors were characterized and analyzed by using the nano-indentation, scratch test instrument, and ball-on-disk reciprocating friction/wear tester. The results indicate that the PEM system was successfully used in magnetron sputtering for a more stable Cr-DLC deposition process.
ISSN:2079-6412