Ultrathin films of co-sputtered CrZrx alloys on polymeric substrates

This experimental study combines the research topics of ultrathin films on polymeric substrates with binary transition metal alloys. Chrome zirconium (CrZrx), ca. 60 nm, was co-sputtered onto pre-coated polymeric substrates having a glass transition temperature below 150 °C. As a consequence of this, the ultrathin films are deposited under vacuum at temperatures below 100 °C, over time frames of only 1 to 2 min. For the ultrathin CrZrx alloy films we report the coexistence of the body centred cubic and Ω-hexagonally close packed phase within a narrow Zr concentration range. The influence of this atomic structure, in combination with the electron structure of the ultrathin CrZrx film, on the optical and mechanical performance is investigated. Results show the change in structure with elemental composition correlates with variations in the molecular orbital filling of the atoms, thus yielding changes in the optical reflectivity and the resistance to abrasion.