Control of Surface Energy using Bilayer Metallic Film Heterostructures

Surface energy is an important factor in determining the performance of application components in terms of preventing adhesion failure between thin films. In this regard, numerous attempts have been made to acquire the desired surface energy through chemical treatment or by using micro/nanostructures. However, such approaches are expected to provide extreme values of surface energy, which may not be suitable in achieving the enhanced performance of applications. In this study, we propose a method to control surface energy by using bilayer metallic film heterostructures. We measure the water contact angle of incompatible (Ni/Ag) and compatible (Zn/Ag) metal pairs under several experimental factors, including thickness, time, and temperature. Furthermore, we conduct Auger electron spectroscopy measurements to investigate the atomic concentration with respect to depth after the change in the water contact angle. The experimental results reveal that three parameters, namely, compatibility, film thickness, and environmental temperature, are major factors in controlling the water contact angle. Thus, we experimentally demonstrate that controlling these three parameters can provide the approximate desired water contact angle. This result is expected to aid in the performance enhancement of a wide range of application components, where control of surface energy is required.