Characterization of nano-structured TiN thin films prepared by R.F. magnetron sputtering

TiN thin films were deposited on Si substrate using an R.F. sputter as a function of Ar / N2 ratio of 20 : 30, 10 :3 0 and 0 : 30. The average thickness of thin film was 0.7 μm, while the size of TiN nano-particles dispersed in the matrix was 5∼10 nm in diameter. The microstructure became fine as the flow rate of N2 to Ar gas increased. The hardness and elastic modulus measured by a nanoindentation method were also enhanced. It discussed the fracture pattern took placed at the TiN layer during the indentation.