Effects of A-elements (ASi, Ge or Sn) on the structure and electrical contact properties of Ti-A-C-Ag nanocomposites

► Magnetron sputtering of nc-TiC/nc-Ag/a-C nanocomposite coatings. ► Replacement of Si to other A-elements results in similar structure. ► Ag distribution controlled by A elements (Si, Ge, Sn) ► Replacement of Si to other A-elements results in lower contact resistance. ► Low contact resistance to Au at only 1 N contact pressure.