Chemistry: electrical and wave energy – Processes and products – Coating – forming or etching by sputtering
Patent
1984-05-21
1988-04-12
Niebling, John F.
Chemistry: electrical and wave energy
Processes and products
Coating, forming or etching by sputtering
20419226, C23C 1440
Patent
active
047372524
ABSTRACT:
The surface of a metal article which is exposed to the atmosphere and abrasion during normal use of the article is protected from scratches and/or corrosion during such use by a thin transparent abrasion-resistant film of an inert non-metallic material such as SiO.sub.2, SiC, Si.sub.3 N.sub.4, TiO.sub.2, MgO, Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, Ta.sub.2 O.sub.5, Nb.sub.2 O.sub.5, GeO.sub.2, spinel and selected colorless glass compositions. The protective film is preferably deposited by RF-sputtering techniques and undesirable coloration of the article by optical interference effects from incident light rays is avoided by properly correlating the film thickness with the refractive index of the particular material used to form the film. The invention permits the use of thinner gold plating on such items as articles of expensive jewelry and bracelets and cases for fine wristwatches without detracting from the quality, durability or appearance of the merchandise. Alternative embodiments in which several films of various selected non-metallic inert materials are combined to form composite protective coatings that provide additional cost and manufacturing advantages are also disclosed along with methods for sputter-depositing the protective films in the proper thicknesses to avoid optical discoloration effects, either on articles that have been previously plated with gold or which have been provided with a sputter-deposited layer of gold by sequentially operating the sputtering apparatus.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3687713 (1972-08-01), Adams
patent: 4060471 (1977-11-01), Pinch et al.
J. L. Vossen et al., Thin Film Processes, Academic Press, New York, 1978, pp. 164-167.
Cillo Daniel P.
Leader William T.
Niebling John F.
Westinghouse Electric Corp.
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