类金刚石薄膜的表面性能研究

利用微波-ECR等离子体源全方位离子注入设备,采用PSII与PSII+PECVD工艺在医用316L不锈钢上制备碳改性薄膜.Raman光谱分析表明,薄膜为典型的类金刚石(DLC) 薄膜.静态接触角测量技术研究表明:在酸碱溶液中,DLC薄膜表面价键遭到破坏,稳定性降低.不同工艺制备的DLC薄膜表面能在40mN/m左右,极性分量大于色散分量,呈现出疏水性质.DLC薄膜表面能高低取决于表面碳碳键与粗糙度的变化.     

Optimisation of diamond-like carbon films by unbalanced magnetron sputtering for infrared transmission enhancement

Diamond-like carbon (DLC) films have potential applications in infrared transmission enhancement. Reducing or eliminating mechanical stress and optical absorption of DLC is important in such applications because relatively thick films are necessary. In this work, DLC was deposited in an unbalanced magnetron sputtering (UBMS) system. Mechanical and optical properties of the DLC films were analysed. Thick DLC films were deposited which satisfied applications for the infrared windows at 3–5 and 8–10 μm. At optimised conditions, the stress in the DLC films decreased with increasing thickness, approaching 1 GPa. For single side DLC coated silicon substrate, about 69% transmittance was achieved at wavelengths near 5 μm, close to the theoretical value for non-absorbing DLC material. Other properties such as surface roughness, wetting angle, and stability were also studied, which showed that the DLC films produced in the UBMS system were excellent for infrared transmission enhancement applications in tough environments.     

Hydrophobic properties of the ion beam deposited DLC films containing SiOx

Diamond like carbon (DLC) films received considerable interest due to outstanding mechanical and tribological properties as well as chemical inertness and hydrophobicity. That combination is particularly interesting for possible application of the DLC as anti-sticking layers in novel lithographic techniques such as nanoimprint lithography, because Si, quartz and Ni - the most often used materials for imprint stamp formation - have high surface energy and, as a result, bad anti-adhesive properties. In present study, SiO_x containing DLC thin films were synthesized from hexamethyldisiloxane vapor and hydrogen gas mixture by direct ion beam deposition. Anti-sticking properties of the grown DLC thin films were evaluated measuring surface contact angle with water. Chemical composition and structure of the deposited films were investigated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and FTIR spectrometry. Morphology of the films was measured by atomic force microscopy. Effects of hexamethyldisiloxane flux on structure, anti-sticking properties and surface morphology of the SiO_x containing DLC thin films were defined.     

Reversible wettability of ZnO nanostructured thin films prepared by pulsed laser deposition

This work reports on the photoinduced wettability changes of high quality nanostructured ZnO films grown on Si by pulsed laser deposition (PLD) under different growth parameters. The wetting behavior of the resulting films can be reversibly switched from hydrophobic to hydrophilic, through alternation of UV illumination and dark storage. The kinetics of this wetting transition are studied by monitoring the time evolution of the corresponding contact angles. Finally, the influence of the film properties over the observed wetting response is discussed.     

Jet printing of colloidal solutions – Numerical modeling and experimental verification of the influence of ink and surface parameters on droplet spreading

Ink jet printing of functional materials promises an efficient route for the manufacturing of future low cost and large-area electronics applications. The effect of capillary flow of thin liquid films, the control of droplet spreading by suitably influencing the wetting properties of surfaces, the rheology of the ink and the process design play a relevant role in improvement of ink jet printed patterns. This work presents the experimentally based numerical study of the shape of single ink jetted droplets controlled by homogeneous contact angle distributions. The dynamics of the fluid on the substrate surface is treated in the frame of the lubrication theory using the concept of a precursor film and modeling the equilibrium contact angle by a disjoining pressure. The model describes the spreading of axisymmetric droplets considering different material and process parameter configurations. It is shown that the spreading process can be modeled separately from the drying process within a certain range of contact angles.     

An investigation into bacterial attachment to an elastomeric superhydrophobic surface prepared via aerosol assisted deposition

Bacterial attachment is highly dependent on a surfaces microstructure. For example, some rough surfaces provide grooves suitable for bacterial adhesion. Superhydrophobic surfaces with a Cassie-Baxter wetting mechanism are shown to prevent contact between a bacterium and surface attachment points. The surface used in this study is a highly rough thin film made from a silicone elastomer via an aerosol assisted chemical vapour deposition (AACVD) process. The films had water contact angles averaging 165°, a very low slip angle, and were capable of duplicating the Lotus effect. The ability of bacteria (Escherichia coli and Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) to adhere to this surface was tested by submersion in a bacterial suspension. The superhydrophobic elastomer surfaces reduced the attachment of the bacteria tested, relative to the control surfaces of plain glass, and flat elastomeric films. The reduction in bacterial adhesion, without the external action of chemicals, gives the elastomer surface deposited with AACVD possible applications in biomedical and catering industries. This progressive study of bacterial adhesion is carried out on an AACVD prepared surface and presents adhesion results from both smooth and highly roughened elastomeric surfaces.     

Superhydrophobic surfaces with hierarchical structure

The physics related to superhydrophobic surfaces has been investigated with attention of its potential applications in a variety of industrial and research fields. In the present study, we report a facile method for preparing superhydrophobic surfaces based on micro and nano scaled structures. Composite thin films are formed by using SiO₂ nanoparticles and poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS). The static contact angle, advancing contact angle, and receding contact angle are measured to investigate the surfaces' water repelling property. The formed SiO₂-PDMS composite films, with different nanoparticle concentrations and sizes, can render the surfaces with superhydrophobicicty, exhibiting large contact angles and small contact angle hysteresis. The composite films are observed by using the Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). It is demonstrated that the hierarchical structure in micro and nano scale on the surface, plays an important role in prompting the superhydrophobic (water-repelling) properties. Wetting phenomena and related theories are also discussed within the paper.     

Wettability control by DLC coated nanowire topography

Here we have developed a convenient method to fabricate wettability controllable surfaces that can be applied to various nanostructured surfaces with complex shapes for different industrial needs. Diamond-like carbon (DLC) films were synthesized on titanium substrate with a nanowire structured surface using plasma immersion ion implantation and deposition (PIII&D). The nanostructure of the DLC films was characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy and found to grow in a rippling layer-by-layer manner. Raman spectroscopy was used to investigate the different bonding presented in the DLC films. To determine the wettability of the samples, water contact angles were measured and found to vary in the range of 50°-141°. The results indicated that it was critical to construct a proper surface topography for high hydrophobicity, while suitable I(D)/I(G) and sp2/sp3 ratios of the DLC films had a minor contribution. Superhydrophobicity could be achieved by further CF? implantation on suitably structured DLC films and was attributed to the existence of fluorine. In order to maintain the nanostructure during CF? implantation, it was favorable to pre-deposit an appropriate carbon content on the nanostructure, as a nanostructure with low carbon content would be deformed during CF? implantation due to local accumulation of surface charge and the following discharge resulting from the low conductivity.     

Ion beam synthesis of the diamond like carbon films for nanoimprint lithography applications

Ion beam deposited hydrogenated undoped as well as SiO_x (SiO_x + N₂, SiO_x + Ar) doped DLC thin films were deposited and evaluated as possible anti-adhesive layers for nanoimprint lithography. Film surface contact angle with water was investigated as a measure of the surface free energy and anti-sticking properties. Contact angle of the DLC films was independent of SiO_x doping and ion beam energy. Air-annealing resistance in terms of the contact angle with water of the synthesized diamond like carbon films was investigated. Optical transmittance spectra of the DLC films in UV-VIS range were measured to investigate it as possible anti-sticking layers for UV imprint lithography applications. DLC films with the most promising combination of the UV absorption and anti-sticking properties were revealed. Preliminary imprint tests with uncoated and thin DLC film coated hot imprint stamps were performed.     

Vibrational and AFM studies of adsorption of glycine on DLC and silicon-doped DLC

A better understanding of protein adsorption onto surfaces of materials is required to control biocompatibility and bioactivity. Diamond-like carbon (DLC) is known to have excellent biocompatibility. Various samples of a-C:H and silicon-doped a-C:H thin films (Si-DLC) were deposited onto silicon substrates using plasma-enhanced chemical vapour deposition (PECVD). Subsequently, the adsorption of the simplest amino acid glycine onto the surfaces of the thin films was investigated to elucidate the mechanisms involved in protein adhesion. The physicochemical characteristics of the surfaces, before and after adsorption of glycine, were investigated using Raman spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The Raman study highlighted a slight decrease in the I _D/I _G ratio with increasing the silicon dopant levels. Following exposure to glycine solutions, the presence of bands at ~1735 and ~1200 cm⁻¹ indicates that the adsorption of glycine onto the surfaces has taken place. Glycine was bound to the surfaces via both deprotonated carboxyl and protonated amino groups whilst, as the silicon content in the DLC film increased the adsorption of glycine decreased. AFM analysis showed that the surface roughness increased following exposure to glycine. These results show that at low silicon doping the adsorption of the amino acid was enhanced whilst increased doping levels led to a reduced adsorption compared to undoped DLC. Therefore, doping of DLC may provide an approach to control the protein adsorption.     

Some electrical properties of diamond-like carbon thin films

Diamond-like carbon (DLC) belongs to very interesting materials used for a number of practical applications. It was noted that the electrical properties of DLC films obtained by RF PCVD discharge depend substantially on the deposition conditions. The results and discussion of the electrical properties of DLC films and DLC/Si heterostructures is presented. The electrical conductivity results are explained in terms of hopping mechanism. The relation between charge transport, structure of the energy gap and the deposition conditions is discussed.     

Study on hybrid nano-diamond films formed by plasma chemical vapor deposition (CVD)

Diamond-like carbon (DLC) films made by plasma chemical vapor deposition (CVD) have many useful properties for tribological characteristics. Especially, friction coefficient is very low. However, the films have weak points i.e., very low heatproof temperature of less than 300 °C and low hardness insufficient for industrial applications like machine tools. On the other hand, it is well known that diamond films made by plasma CVD have excellent hardness. But, they also have inferior properties for industrial applications, such as higher surface roughness and lower critical load than DLC films. In this study, we developed hybrid nano-diamond (HND) films that are formed by alternately depositing DLC films and diamond films in a same chamber. The HND films have sufficiently high hardness as well as excellent tribological characteristics due to the multi-layer structure of DLC and diamond. The process of forming HND films are discussed.     

Superwetting Surfaces under Different Media: Effects of Surface Topography on Wettability

Superwetting surfaces in air, such as superhydrophobic and superoleophobic surfaces that are governed by surface chemical compositions and surface topographies, are one of the most extensively studied topics in this field. However, it is not well‐understood how surface topographies affect the behaviors of immiscible liquids and gases under other kinds of media, although it is significant in diverse fields. The main aim of this work is to systematically investigate the wetting behaviors of liquids (water and oil) and gas (air) on silicon surfaces with different topographies (i.e., smooth, micro, nano, and micro‐/nanostructures) under various media (i.e., air, water, and oil). The contact angles, as well as contact‐angle hysteresis, sliding angles, and adhesive forces, were utilized to evaluate the wettability of these surfaces. As a result, the microstructured surfaces typically exhibit high contact‐angle hysteresis, high sliding angles, and high adhesive forces, whereas the micro‐/nanostructured surfaces display low contact‐angle hysteresis, low sliding angles, and low adhesive forces, even if they have high (>150°) and similar contact angles. Furthermore, when transferring the same surface from one kind of medium to another, different superwetting states can be reversibly switched.     

Deuterium influence on optical gap of amorphous carbon diamond-like carbon (DLC) thin film

This present study aims to determine the hydrogen influence on the electrical gap of diamond-like carbon (DLC) film. DLC thin layers were deposited on silicon wafer by plasma enhanced chemical vapour deposition (PECVD). With this method we obtain a a-C:H film structure. To understand the mechanism of deposition, local structure and hydrogen effect in DLC we replace our methane plasma source by deuterated methane one. In this article, hydrogen rate is obtained by elastic recoil detection analysis (ERDA), electronic and bulk density is performed with X-ray reflectometry (XRR) and the determination of electrical gap is carried out using ultraviolet-visible absorption spectrometry. A specific attention is carried about the self-bias voltage and time variations to get different DLC and DDLC film compositions and also different electrical properties. We found that including deuterium in carbon increases the Tauc energy while keeping the same density. A comparison between these two sorts of film is expected to improve our understanding of the hydrogen role in the DLC films.     

Characterization and tribological application of diamond-like carbon (DLC) films prepared by radio-frequency plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (RF-PECVD) technique

Diamond-like carbon (DLC) films were successfully prepared on glass substrates and surfaces of selenium drums via radio frequency plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition method. The microstructure, surface morphology, hardness, film adhesion, and tribological properties of the films were characterized and evaluated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, and micro-sclerometer and friction-wear spectrometer. The results showed that DLC films have smooth surfaces, homogeneous particle sizes, and excellent tribological properties, which can be used to improve the surface quality of the selenium drums and prolong their service life.     

On the Wetting States of Low Melting Point Metal Galinstan® on Silicon Microstructured Surfaces

The primary goal of this article is to measure the wetting characteristics of a low melting point metal to determine the efficacy of this type of material for possible use in thermal energy storage applications. Galinstan®, a commercially available alloy consisting of Gallium, Indium, and Tin is subjected to contact angle measurements on various silicon surfaces at varying temperatures. Due to the oxidation characteristics of Galinstan, all experiments are conducted in an inert nitrogen environment (<0.5 ppm oxygen) to maintain fluid‐like properties. This work finds that although contact angle changes with substrate and surface structure, temperature has no observable effect on contact angle. Contact angles range from 141° on smooth silicon to greater than 160° on silicon micropillars. Although a temperature dependence is not observed over the range of temperatures studied, having wetting properties of Galinstan on various surfaces is a step toward better understanding the capabilities of this and similar materials in energy management.

     

Aerosol assisted deposition of melamine-formaldehyde resin: Hydrophobic thin films from a hydrophilic material

An intrinsically hydrophilic melamine-formaldehyde thin film (water contact angle of 34° for a cast flat surface) was deposited on a glass substrate using aerosol assisted chemical vapour deposition. The resultant resin films showed a highly developed microstructure consisting of spherical structures that were agglomerated into towers. The surface wetted via a Cassie-Baxter mechanism with air trapped underneath the water droplets and resultant water contact angles as high as 135°. Film thickness and coverage were crucial in determining the wetting properties. Films with limited deposition gave hydrophilic results, whereas thicker films greater than 4 μm were superhydrophilic. This behaviour could be explained by the ease of trapping air under the coating. It is shown that the water wetting properties of a single material can be altered from superhydrophilic to near superhydrophobic by controlling the surface microstructure in a single-step aerosol route.     

Characterization and tribological application of diamond-like carbon (DLC) films prepared by radio-frequency plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (RF-PECVD) technique

Diamond-like carbon (DLC) films were successfully prepared on glass substrates and surfaces of selenium drums via radio frequency plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition method. The microstructure, surface morphology, hardness, film adhesion, and tribological properties of the films were characterized and evaluated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, and micro-sclerometer and friction-wear spectrometer. The results showed that DLC films have smooth surfaces, homogeneous particle sizes, and excellent tribological properties, which can be used to improve the surface quality of the selenium drums and prolong their service life.     

金属等离子体浸没离子注入与沉积技术合成类金刚石薄膜研究

采用金属等离子体浸没离子注入与沉积技术在9Cr18轴承钢基体表面合成了类金刚石薄膜.研究了注入脉宽和工作气压对合成薄膜性能及化学组成的影响;通过激光Raman光谱、维氏硬度、针盘试验和电化学腐蚀等测试手段分别表征了合成薄膜后试样表面的化学组成和微观结构、显微硬度、摩擦磨损性能和抗腐蚀性能.结果表明:合成薄膜后,试样的显微硬度增大了88.7%,摩擦磨损和抗腐蚀性能也明显改善.     

Improved electrochemical performance of nitrocarburised stainless steel by hydrogenated amorphous carbon thin films for bone tissue engineering

In this study, hydrogenated amorphous carbon thin films, structurally similar to diamond‐like carbon (DLC), were deposited on the surface of untreated and plasma nitrocarburised (Nitrocarburizing‐treated) stainless steel medical implants using a plasma‐enhanced chemical vapour deposition method. The deposited DLC thin films on the nitrocarburising‐treated implants (CN+DLC) exhibited an appropriate adhesion to the substrates. The results clearly indicated that the applied DLC thin films showed excellent pitting and corrosion resistance with no considerable damage on the surface in comparison with the other samples. The CN+DLC thin films could be considered as an efficient approach for improving the biocompatibility and chemical inertness of metallic implants.Inspec keywords: tissue engineering, bone, biomedical materials, electrochemistry, amorphous state, carbon, hydrogen, thin films, plasma CVD, adhesion, corrosion resistance, surface hardeningOther keywords: electrochemical performance, plasma nitrocarburised stainless steel medical implants, hydrogenated amorphous carbon thin films, bone tissue engineering, plasma‐enhanced chemical vapour deposition method, adhesion, corrosion resistance, biocompatibility, chemical inertness, metallic implants, C:H