Abstract
In this work, Intermetallic NiTi thin films have been prepared using glancing angle DC magnetron sputtering technique on Si (1 0 0) substrate maintained at room temperature with separate elemental targets Ni and Ti. The films were solution treated (annealed) at 600 °C for 1 h followed by aging at 500 °C for 2 h, 4 h and 6 h. The degree of crystallinity increases with subsequent solution treatment followed by aging at different times. The hardness and elastic modulus increased from 8.32 to 9.41 GPa and from 148.92 to 163.13 GPa, respectively, with respect to the increase in aging time. From HR-XPS (High Resolution X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy) investigations, it was found that the films aged at different times have shown strong tendency to form thicker surface layer TiO2 (metal oxide) onto the film surface due to higher thermodynamic reactivity by leaving Ni-rich precipitates in the matrix immediately behind the metal oxide layer.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
