A Study on the standardize the characteristic evaluation of DC magnetron sputtered silver coatings for engineering purposes

D.C. magnetron sputter를 이용한 Ag layer 건식 도금층의 특성 평가 국제 표준화에 대한 연구

Silver films have been of considerable interest for years due to their better performance relative to other metal films for engineering applications. A series of multi-layer silver coatings with different thickness (i.e. 0.3 um to 1.5 um) were prepared on Aluminium substrate containing copper undercoat by direct current (DC) magnetron sputtering method. For the comparative purpose, similar thickness silver coatings were prepared by electrolytic deposition method. Microstructural, morphological, and mechanical characteristics of the silver coatings were evaluated by means of scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Surface roughness test, microhardness test and nano-scratch test. From the results, it has been elucidated that the silver films prepared by DC magnetron sputtering method has superior properties in comparison to the wet coating method. On the other hand, DC magnetron sputtering method is relatively easier, faster, eco-friendly and more productive than the electrolytic deposition method that uses several kinds of hazardous chemicals for bath formulation. Therefore, a New Work Item Proposal (NWIP) for the test methods standardization of DC magnetron sputtered silver coatings has recently been proposed via KATS, Korea and a NP ballot is being progressed within a technical committee "ISO/TC107-metallic and other inorganic coating".