Microstructure Of Films Research Articles

Synergistic fabrication, characterization, and prospective optoelectronic applications of DES grafted activated charcoal dispersed PVA films

AbstractThis study investigates the synthesis, analysis, and utility of films comprising deep eutectic solvent (DES) grafted activated charcoal (AC) within a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) matrix for optoelectronic device applications. The fabrication process involves the dispersion of DES functionalization AC into the PVA solution, followed by casting onto substrates with controlled drying. Comprehensive characterization encompassing X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), UV–vis spectroscopy, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and impedance spectroscopy which discerns the films microstructure, morphology, conductance, band‐gap, and optical traits. The DES grafted AC infusion with variable concentration has significantly influenced optical absorbance and reduced the band gap indicating efficient charge mobility. Furthermore, the impedance analysis has revealed the electrical conduction of the film to be 1.8 × 10−6 Ω−1 m−1. In summary, the dispersion of DES modified AC in the PVA matrix have converted the insulating PVA to a semiconducting polymeric film with reduced band‐gap and increased absorption, which present a propitious avenue for wide array of optoelectronic devices, such as thin film transistors, photovoltaics, LEDs, photodetectors, and many such applications.

Microstructure and coloration mechanism of TC11 aerospace titanium alloy ultra-thin thermal oxide films

This study explores the microstructure and coloration mechanism of high-saturation structural colors in ultra-thin oxide films formed on TC11 aerospace titanium alloy near permissible engineering temperatures. Utilizing optical microscopy (OM), spectrophotometry, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), focused ion beam (FIB), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS), the optical properties, thickness, and microstructure of the oxide films were examined. The research posits a coloration theory grounded in zero-order Fabry-Pérot resonance-enhanced absorption. Key findings reveal a color transition in the oxide films from golden to light blue as oxidation conditions vary from 450 °C for 5 h to 550 °C for 60 h, with an average thickness ranging from 16.3 nm to 63.4 nm. Despite changes in oxidation conditions, the film's structure remains consistent and uniform. It predominantly consists of Brookite-type TiO2, TiO and Al2O3, with trace amounts of MoO2 and MoO3. The film's color is independent of its structural composition and instead related to its thickness, influencing the absorption wavelength per the Fabry-Pérot model, which closely matches the observed absorption wavelengths. Notably, oxidation acceleration between 30 and 60 h at 550 °C heralds the commencement of a deviation from the coloration mechanism of the oxide film based on the Fabry-Pérot cavity.

Oxidation behaviour of NiSi–NiCr thin film thermocouples and antioxidation effect of SiNxOy film

NiSi–NiCr thin film thermocouples (TFTCs) have significant application value as contact temperature sensors in cutting temperature measurements owing to their fast response and negligible volume. However, due to the relatively high chemical activity of Ni-based alloys, high-temperature oxidation strongly affects the operational reliability of NiSi–NiCr TFTCs. In this respect, depositing an anti-oxidation coating onto the surface of NiSi–NiCr TFTCs is considered an effective way to protect them in high-temperature environments. In this study, NiSi and NiCr films were deposited on cemented carbides and annealed at 200 °C–600 °C in air. Scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffraction spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and four-probe resistivity tests were used to characterize the microstructure and resistivity of NiSi and NiCr film. Then SiNxOy films were deposited onto the NiSi and NiCr films and compared with uncoated samples after annealing at 600 °C. The effect of SiNxOy films on the thermal stability and thermoelectric output of NiSi–NiCr TFTCs was investigated. The results show that the NiSi film was partially oxidized at 200 °C and entirely oxidized when the temperature exceeded 400 °C. The completely oxidized NiSi films had evident defects and cracks, and the resistivity increased by a factor of over 1000. The NiCr film could not be completely oxidized at 600 °C, which is attributed to the formation of Cr2O3 as an external oxide barrier layer. Below 600 °C, SiNxOy films could effectively protect NiSi and NiCr films from oxidation. Thus, the addition of SiNxOy film increases the maximum temperature at which NiSi–NiCr TFTCs can be used.

The nano-sheet structure adjustment and long-term stability of Zn-doped NiO electrochromic films

NiO is a typical anode electrochromic material based on its excellent electrochemical performance. However excellent cycle stability has always been the most important goal pursued by researchers. This study successfully prepared the complex multi-channel self-assembled nanosheet structure of low concentration and different Zn content doped NiO films with outstanding cycle stability on FTO by the low-temperature hydrothermal method. This excellent cycle stability provides a basis for applying NiO as a complementary layer in electrochromic devices. Zn doping influences the surface microstructure and electrochromic properties of NiO films. It is worth noting that all samples show large modulation amplitude, high coloring efficiency, and fast response time at the wavelength of 550 nm. The samples doped with 1% Zn exhibited more outstanding electrochromic properties than the samples without Zn doping, including fast switching speed (6.4 s and 3.8 s), significantly high coloration efficiency (52.49 cm2·C−1), transmittance modulation (68.57 % at 550 nm), and especially outstanding cycle stability (99.47 % after 5000 cycles). Zn doping affects the microstructure of the film surface, which greatly improves the cycle stability of the film by combining doping and structure control. We consider that the 1 % Zn-doped sample has the best cyclic stability because of the lower interface barrier between the 1 % Zn-doped sample and the FTO, the Zn-doped film forms a complex multi-channel structure, and the coupling effect makes the sample more conducive to the charge entry and exit.

Applications and characterization of anti-browning enzymatically modified potato starch (EPS) film associated with chitosan (CTS)/L-Cys/citric acid (CA) on fresh-cut potato slices

This study explores the influence of incorporating L-cysteine (L-Cys), chitosan (CTS), and citric acid (CA) on the enzymatic modification of potato starch (EPS) films to enhance anti-browning properties. Four types of EPS composite films were evaluated for preserving fresh-cut potato slices at low temperatures to inhibit browning. Their thermal, physiochemical, mechanical, and digestibility properties were assessed. Results indicate that the addition of CTS, CA, and L-Cys improved the anti-browning activity of the EPS films by increasing film thickness and reducing water vapor permeability (WVP), oxygen transmission rate (OTR), ultraviolet (UV) transmittance, and tensile strength (TS). Furthermore, these additives improved the film's microstructure, resulting in reinforced intermolecular interactions, increased elongation at break, heightened crystallinity, enhanced thermal stability, and favorable gastrointestinal digestibility. Overall, EPS/CTS/L-Cys/CA composite films show promise as edible packaging materials with effective anti-browning properties.

Photoelectrocatalytic Reduction of Cr(VI) in Wastewater with a CuBi2O4 Thin Film Photocathode

Photoelectrocatalytic approaches show promise for contaminate removal in wastewater through redox reactions. However, the direct treatment of very low concentration heavy metals is a challenging task. Copper bismuth oxide is considered as a potential photocathode material due to its appropriate bandgap width and excellent light absorption properties. In this work, we utilize copper bismuth oxide photoelectrodes with micrometer-scale pores to achieve the efficient and complete reduction of micromolar-level hexavalent chromium(VI) in wastewater. In a continuous 180 min experiment, the reduction rate of 5 µM hexavalent chromium reached 97%, which is an order lower than the drinking standard. Such a process was facilitated by the unique hierarchical microstructure of the oxide thin film and the porous morphology. On the other hand, the structural evolution during the operation was analyzed. A surface passivation was observed, suggesting the possible long-term practical application of this material. This study serves as an important reference for the application of photoelectrocatalysis in addressing Cr(VI) pollution in wastewater, with implications for improving water quality and environmental protection.

Epitaxial twin coupled microstructure in GeSn films prepared by remote plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition

Growth of GeSn films directly on Si substrates is desirable for integrated photonics applications since the absence of an intervening buffer layer simplifies device fabrication. Here, we analyze the microstructure of two GeSn films grown directly on (001) Si by remote plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (RPECVD): a 1000 nm thick film containing 3% Sn and a 600 nm thick, 10% Sn film. Both samples consist of an epitaxial layer with nano twins below a composite layer containing nanocrystalline and amorphous. The epilayer has uniform composition, while the nanocrystalline material has higher levels of Sn than the surrounding amorphous matrix. These two layers are separated by an interface with a distinct, hilly morphology. The transition between the two layers is facilitated by formation of densely populated (111)-coupled nano twins. The 10% Sn sample exhibits a significantly thinner epilayer than the one with 3% Sn. The in-plane lattice mismatch between GeSn and Si induces a quasi-periodic misfit dislocation network along the interface. Film growth initiates at the interface through formation of an atomic-scale interlayer with reduced Sn content, followed by the higher Sn content epitaxial layer. A corrugated surface containing a high density of twins with elevated levels of Sn at the peaks begins forming at a critical thickness. Subsequent epitaxial breakdown at the peaks produces a composite containing high levels of Sn nanocrystalline embedded in lower level of Sn amorphous. The observed microstructure and film evolution provide valuable insight into the growth mechanism that can be used to tune the RPECVD process for improved film quality.

Effects of growth temperature on phase transformation and crystal quality of Ga2O3 films grown on Si/AlN composite substrates by MOCVD

High-quality ε-phase Ga2O3 thin film with a FWHM of 0.68° for the (002) plane in omega scan is grown on Si/AlN composite substrate by MOCVD. The crystal phase evolution and microstructure of Ga2O3 thin films at different temperatures are studied systematically. It is found that Ga2O3 changes from amorphous at 400 °C to ε-phase at 500 °C. As the temperature further rises to 600 °C, it eventually transforms into β-phase. Due to the difference of lattice mismatch, ε-Ga2O3 is crystalline with high crystallinity on the surface of the film, but amorphous at the interface, while β-Ga2O3 is polycrystalline. In addition, ε-Ga2O3 thin films not only have the smoothest surface with roughness of 2.63 nm, but also the content of point defects (such as oxygen vacancies) is significantly reduced compared with that of amorphous and β-Ga2O3 thin films. This work provides important references for the hetero-integration of Si and Ga2O3 by MOCVD, and is beneficial for the development of low cost and high crystal quality Ga2O3 thin films which are suitable for high voltage and ultraviolet optoelectronics.

Investigation of the physico-chemical properties of In2S3 powder synthesized via solid-state reaction and In2S3 thin films prepared through thermal evaporation

In this study, we examined the physico-chemical properties of In2S3 powder produced using the solid-state reaction and of the In2S3 thin film obtained using the thermal evaporation technique. Thermally evaporated In2S3 thin films were subjected to vacuum annealing to study the impact of heating on the structural, morphological and optical properties of the samples. According to the X-ray diffraction analysis, the microstructure of as-grown thin films were an amorphous in nature which transformed into polycrystalline structure after annealing at T≥250 °C. This polycrystalline structure suggests the formation of the β-In2S3 phase with a tetragonal and/or cubic crystal structure. In addition, the energy dispersive spectroscopy analysis revealed that all samples show a slight excess of indium and a deficit of sulfur, compared to the stoichiometric ratios. Moreover, surface micrographs recorded by atomic force microscopy showed an increase in surface roughness after annealing. Optically, the transmittance spectra, T(λ), illustrated a high transmittance average value,∼70 %, while the reflectance spectra, R(λ), showed an average value of 25 % in the visible and NIR region. It appeared that heat treatment had no significant impact on the T and R spectra. The optical dispersion parameters of the treated samples were also studied. The direct and indirect allowed bandgap transitions values of all samples were found to ranging from 1.75 to 2.48 eV and from 1.80 to 2.38 eV, respectively. Such observation shows that the bandgap increased with annealing temperature. Electrically, n-type conductivity for In2S3 films annealed at 250 °C was recorded.

Study on the microstructure, optical performance, and electromagnetic shielding effectiveness of Al-Ag thin films for variable annealing time

Herein, the magnetron co-sputtering method is employed to fabricate 9 nm 5 mol% Al-Ag thin films, and subsequently annealing treatment is performed. The effect of the annealing time on the structure, optical, and electromagnetic (EM) shielding performance of them is thoroughly studied. It is observed that by subjecting the films to the appropriate annealing time, the Ag granules undergo a transformation into a planar growth structure and make the integrated performance of Al-Ag thin film more exceptional. Compared with other annealing time, when it is 5 min, the obtained Al-Ag thin films display the homogenous and smooth surface morphology. Moreover, it exhibits excellent optical properties with the highest transmittance value of 89.6% at 550 nm, and meanwhile the shielding effectiveness reaches a peak value of 28.7 dB. These characteristics render the Al-Ag thin films highly practical and valuable for EM shielding windows with high transmittance.

Active Fish Gelatin/Chitosan Blend Film Incorporated with Guava Leaf Powder Carbon Dots: Properties, Release and Antioxidant Activity.

Active packaging is an innovative approach to prolonge the shelf-life of food products while ensuring their quality and safety. Carbon dots (CDs) from biomass as active fillers for biopolymer films have been introduced to improve their bioactivities as well as properties. Gelatin/chitosan (G/C) blend films containing active guava leaf powder carbon dots (GL-CDs) at various levels (0-3%, w/w) were prepared by the solvent casting method and characterized. Thickness of the control increased from 0.033 to 0.041 mm when 3% GL-CDs were added (G/C-CD-3%). Young's modulus of the resulting films increased (485.67-759.00 MPa), whereas the tensile strength (26.92-17.77 MPa) and elongation at break decreased (14.89-5.48%) as the GL-CDs' level upsurged (p < 0.05). Water vapor barrier property and water contact angle of the film were enhanced when incorporated with GL-CDs (p < 0.05). GL-CDs had a negligible impact on film microstructure, while GL-CDs interacted with gelatin or chitosan, as determined by FTIR. The release of GL-CDs from blend films was more pronounced in water than in alcoholic solutions (10-95% ethanol). The addition of GL-CDs improved the UV light barrier properties and antioxidant activities of the resultant films in a dose-dependent manner. Thus, GL-CD-added gelatin/chitosan blend films with antioxidant activities could be employed as potential active packaging for the food industry.

Aloe vera Gel–Reinforced Biodegradable Starch–PVA Blends for Sustainable Packaging of Green Chillies

ABSTRACTThe objective of the current study was to evaluate the feasibility of Aloe vera gel as a plasticizer and crosslinker in improving the properties of starch–polyvinyl alcohol blends that could find applications in packaging. The concentration of Aloe vera gel was varied (1%, 3%, 5% and 7% wt/wt) to produce SPA‐1, SPA‐3, SPA‐5 and SPA‐7 films, respectively. The plasticizing and crosslinking characteristics associated with Aloe vera gel had a positive influence on the mechanical properties of the films. Addition of Aloe vera gel increased the tensile strength of films from 27.45 MPa (control) to 32.98, 32.53 and 32.32, for SPA‐1, SPA‐3 and SPA‐5 films, respectively. Among all the films, highest elongation at break (20.62%) was observed for SPA‐3 films. Due to crosslinking, degree of swelling, water solubility and water vapour permeability for SPA‐3 films decreased by 5.58%, 38.29% and 21.44%, respectively, compared to control films. The contact angle of the SPA‐3 film significantly increased by 49.25% when compared to control samples. Scanning electron microscope images revealed compact and smooth surface microstructure of control films, and crosslinking was evident in presence of Aloe vera gel. The rate of degradation for SPA‐3 films in soil after 40 days was enhanced by 32.25% compared to control films. SPA‐1 and SPA‐3 films were tested for use as packaging material for storage of green chillies. Chillies under unpacked conditions, in control and SPA‐1 films, turned red in 3 days. Those stored in films with 3% Aloe vera gel began to change colour later (after 5 days) with no visual evidence of microbial or fungal growth. In summary, starch–polyvinyl alcohol matrix films with 3% Aloe vera gel (SPA‐3) were effective as a sustainable alternative in increasing shelf life of foodstuff.

Microstructure, mechanical and corrosion behavior of CrNx/Al2O3 multilayer films deposited by magnetron sputtering

A novel design was adopted to improve corrosion resistance of 2024 Al alloys by magnetron sputtering CrNx based multilayer films with Al2O3 intercalation. The multilayer films were composed of inhomogeneous structure, i.e., thick CrNx transition layer (∼2 μm) + CrNx/Al2O3 multilayer (∼1 μm). The effect of Al2O3 interlayer and modulation period on microstructure and performance of multilayer films were investigated. The nitride layer was dominated by Cr2N and CrN with minor Cr, while the Al2O3 layer displayed in the amorphous form. The intercalation of Al2O3 blocked the columnar growth in CrNx layers and refined the grains. As the period increased, the cluster particle size decreased and the mechanical properties increased, with the maximum hardness and modulus at CN-8 (19.13 GPa and 282.2 GPa). In addition, the multilayer structure enhanced the bonding between the film and the substrate, and has an improvement on the hard and brittle properties of the film. The multilayer films showed improved corrosion resistance than the CrNx mono-layer in 3.5 wt% NaCl solution. The film with CrNx-top layer showed superior corrosion resistance than the film with Al2O3-top layer. The increasing period also enhanced corrosion resistance, showing an excellent corrosion potential and corrosion current density (Ecorr=-0.538 V, icorr=0.96 μA·cm−2) at CN-8.

Microstructure and mechanical properties of Cr films with different orientations before and after plasma nitriding

In this paper, the Cr films with preferred orientation evolution from (110) to (200) were deposited on the surface of austenitic stainless steel. These films were driven by a pulsed bias with different duty cycles from 20% to 80%, followed by a postnitriding process for 1 h using a hot wire plasma-enhanced magnetron sputtering system. XRD result showed Cr film had a body-centered cubic lattice structure, and the orientation transformed from (110) to (200) with the increase in the duty cycle. SEM and EDS measurements revealed that Cr film structured with columnar crystals could contribute to the continuous diffusion of nitrogen into austenite lattice. N atoms tended to diffuse along the (200) orientation of Cr films than the close-packed (110) orientation. As a result, the best wear resistance and adhesion strength were obtained when Cr film deposited at 80% duty cycle was nitrided, and the wear volume decreased by 95.7% compared with that before nitriding.

High-Quality Solution-Processed Quasi-2D Perovskite for Low-Threshold Lasers.

Spin-coated quasi-two-dimensional halide perovskite films, which exhibit superior optoelectronic properties and environmental stability, have recently been extensively studied for lasers. Crystallinity is of great importance for the laser performance. Although some parameters related to the spin-coating process have been studied, the in-depth understanding and effective control of the acceleration rate on two-dimensional perovskite crystallization during spin-coating are still unknown. Here we investigate the effect of solvent evaporation on the microstructure of the final perovskite films during the spin-coating process. The crystallization quality of the film can be significantly improved by controlling solvent evaporation. As a result, the prepared quasi-2D perovskite film exhibits a stimulated emission threshold (pump: 343 nm, 6 kHz, 290 fs) of 550 nm as low as 16.2 μJ/cm2. Transient absorption characterization shows that the radiative biexciton recombination time is reduced from 738.5 to 438.3 ps, benefiting from the improved crystallinity. The faster biexciton recombination significantly enhanced the photoluminescence efficiency, which is critical for population inversion. This work could contribute to the development of low-threshold lasers.

Surface-induced Microstructure and Performance Changes in P3HT Ultrathin Films

Surface-induced Microstructure and Performance Changes in P3HT Ultrathin Films

Microstructure and optical properties of β-Ga2O3 thin films fabricated by pulsed laser deposition

β-Ga2O3 has attracted extensive attention in the fields of optoelectronics and high-power electric devices due to its excellent electrical properties and thermal stability. Growth of epitaxial β-Ga2O3 films with good crystallinity is challenging since it is difficult to effectively control the impurities in the films. Here, β-Ga2O3 thin films were epitaxially grown on MgO (100) substrates via pulsed laser deposition system. The microstructure and optical properties of the β-Ga2O3 thin films were systematically characterized by combining high-resolution X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, ultraviolet–visible spectrophotometer and advanced transmission electron microscopy. Effects of the growth temperature and O2 partial pressure on the crystallinity, valance states of Ga ions and band gap of the β-Ga2O3 thin films were investigated. The light absorption wavelength of the β-Ga2O3 thin films ranges from 220 nm to 260 nm, which is close to the theoretical value. The epitaxial orientation between β-Ga2O3 film and MgO substrate is β-Ga2O3 (100) [02¯1] // MgO (100) [010]. A thin layer of γ-Ga2O3 exists in the interfacial region.

The Role of Side Chains and Hydration on Mixed Charge Transport in n-Type Polymer Films.

Introducing ethylene glycol (EG) side chains to a conjugated polymer backbone is a well-established synthetic strategy for designing organic mixed ion-electron conductors (OMIECs). However, the impact that film swelling has on mixed conduction properties has yet to be scoped, particularly for electron-transporting (n-type) OMIECs. Here, the authors investigate the effect of the length of branched EG chains on mixed charge transport of n-type OMIECs based on a naphthalene-1,4,5,8-tetracarboxylic-diimide-bithiophene backbone. Atomic force microscopy (AFM), grazing-incidence wide-angle X-ray scattering (GIWAXS), and scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) are used to establish the similarities between the common-backbone films in dry conditions. Electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (EQCM-D) and in situ GIWAXS measurements reveal stark changes in film swelling properties and microstructure during electrochemical doping, depending on the side chain length. It is found that even in the loss of the crystallite content upon contact with the aqueous electrolyte, the films can effectively transport charges and that it is rather the high water content that harms the electronic interconnectivity within the OMIEC films. These results highlight the importance of controlling water uptake in the films to impede charge transport in n-type electrochemical devices.

A Breathable, Stretchable, and Self‐Calibrated Multimodal Electronic Skin Based on Hydrogel Microstructures for Wireless Wearables

AbstractBiomimetic electronic skins (e‐skins) are widely used in wearables, smart prosthesis and soft robotics. However, multimodal e‐skins, especially those based on hydrogels, face multiple challenges for practical applications, involving multi‐sensing signal mutual interference, low breathability and stretchability. Here, a breathable and stretchable multimodal e‐skin with a multilayer film microstructure is developed to achieve self‐calibrated sensing of any two of three stimuli: strain, temperature, and humidity, with minimal crosstalk. Hydrogel fibers with different shapes are designed for strain and temperature sensing modules, and the hydrogel film is developed as a humidity sensing module. The multimodal e‐skin exhibits impressive sensing performance, including a low strain detection limit (0.03%), strain linearity (R2 = 0.990), high‐temperature sensitivity (1.77%/°C), and a wide humidity detection range (33–98% RH). Interestingly, due to the directional anisotropy in strain sensitivity of different shaped fibers, the e‐skin realizes self‐calibrated detection of strain and temperature in different directions. By introducing porous elastomer encapsulation membranes, the breathability and wearing comfort of the e‐skin are attained, while the high stretchability (100% strain) is maintained. Furthermore, a personalized human‐machine interaction system is created by integrating the e‐skin with a wireless circuit to realize real‐time and wireless gesture recognition, physiological signals monitoring, and smart prosthesis.

Weak oxidant fraction in the microwave plasma influencing the evolution of nanocrystalline-diamond–imbedded diamond–like carbon network at low temperatures and its orbital hybridization dependent wide optical band gaps

The diamond-like carbon (DLC) thin films having intrinsic nanocrystalline diamond (NCD) components were synthesized on bare glass substrates at 300 °C, employing a (C2H2/CO2/H2/) gas mixture in MW-PECVD. Relevant influence of the weak oxidant fraction [F = CO2/(CO2 + C2H2)] in the plasma on the specific hybridized constituents (sp3 and sp2) in the C-network, optical transmission characteristics of the film, and its accomplished degree of nanocrystallinity were investigated. A substantial segment of the NCD was achieved in the DLC matrix. An optimized diamond-phase component corresponding to the minimized bond angle disorder in the matrix was accounted from the manifestation of the maxima of IDia/IG and IDia/ID simultaneous to the minimum of ID/IG ratio in Raman response, along with an allied diamond peak appearing near 1332 cm−1. The optimal DLC film at F = 0.23 revealed a wide optical band gap (Eg) of ∼3.60 eV, ∼59% sp3-hybridized C component of the diamond phase, and a significant sp3/sp2 ratio of ∼2.1. The film microstructure seemed homogeneous with uniformly distributed NCDs of average diameter ∼7.5 nm and dominant 〈111〉 crystallographic orientation. The sp3/sp2 fraction in the film matrix has been correlated directly to the IDia/IG and IDia/ID, and inversely to ID/IG ratios of the Raman data. Atomic-O, including atomic-H, remains instrumental in chemical reactions, facilitating the etching of graphitic and a-C phases while preserving the superior sp3-hybridized NCD component growing uninterruptedly in the DLC network that subsists shielded from the high-energy ion impact within secondary plasma under the shadow mask.