Synthesis of nanostructured multiphase Ti(C,N)/a-C films by a plasma focus device

Nanostructured multiphase Ti(C,N)/a-C films were deposited using a 3.3 kJ pulsed plasma focus device onto silicon (1 0 0) substrates at room temperature. The plasma focus device, fitted with solid titanium anode instead of usual hollow copper anode, was operated with nitrogen and Ar/CH4 as the filling gas. Films were deposited with different number of shots, at 80 mm from top of the anode and at zero angular position with respect to anode axis. X-ray diffraction results show the diffraction peaks related to different compounds such as TiC2, TiN, Ti2CN, Ti and TiC0.62 confirming the deposition of multiphase titanium carbo-nitride composite films on silicon. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirms the formation of Ti–C, C–N, Ti–N, Ti–O and C–C bonds in the films. Scanning electron microscopy reveals that the nanostructure grains are agglomerates of smaller nanoparticles about 10–20 nm in size. Raman studies verify the formation of multiphase Ti(C,N) and also of amorphous graphite in the films. The maximum microhardness value of the composite film is 14.8 ± 1.3 GPa for 30 shots.