Diamond-like carbon coated on polyethylene terephthalate by Thermionic Vacuum Arc

PAT S., TEMEL S., Ekem N., KORKMAZ Ş., Özkan M., BALBAĞ M. Z.

Journal of Plastic Film and Sheeting, vol.27, no.1-2, pp.127-137, 2011 (SCI-Expanded) identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 27 Issue: 1-2
  • Publication Date: 2011
  • Doi Number: 10.1177/8756087911399893
  • Journal Name: Journal of Plastic Film and Sheeting
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.127-137
  • Keywords: Coated PET, DLC, Hardness test, Plasma, Scratch test, TVA
  • Bilecik Şeyh Edebali University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Diamond-like carbon (DLC) coatings were deposited on transparent polyethylene terephthalate (PET) using a thermionic vacuum arc (TVA) method. The TVA method parameters used to produce DLC coating and the volt-ampere characteristic during the plasma ignition were determined with 22 A of filament current. The crystal orientations and surface morphology of the deposited DLC thin films were investigated using X-ray diffractometer and atomic force microscopy. Reflectance and refractive indices of DLC-coated PETwere analyzed by interferometry. According to experimental measurement, DLC-coated thin film was polycrystalline with (1 1 1) and (1 1 0) preferred orientations. Refractive indices were approximately 2.60 in the visible range. DLC-coated PET reflection is close to the PET substrate in the infrared region. According to Fresnel equation, the DLCcoated PET reflection decreased from 19.25% to 10% at 632 nm due to local coating agglomeration. Surface hardness increased to from 2.77 to 10 GPa with DLC coating. © The Author(s) 2011.