A metal physical vapor deposition composite coating structure

Abstract

The application discloses a metal physical vapor deposition composite coating structure, comprising a gold plating layer, a transparent transition layer and a protective layer arranged in sequence, the gold plating layer can be arranged on a product to be plated, and the transparent transition layer comprises any one or both of a silicon dioxide layer and a zirconium dioxide layer. By arranging the transparent transition layer between the gold plating layer and the protective layer, the adhesion of the protective layer is improved, meanwhile, the multilayer plating film structure can completely isolate the internal gold plating layer from external air, so that the metal in the gold plating layer is prevented from being oxidized by the air to cause discoloration and affect the appearance of the product.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the technical field of coating structures, and more particularly to a metal physical vapor deposition composite coating structure. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of metal PVD (vacuum sputtering) coating, gold is often used as the target material for surface PVD, alloyed with other metals. Due to its inertness, gold has poor compatibility with other materials. However, when alloyed with copper for coating, it combines the golden color of gold with the reddish hue of copper, resulting in a beautiful rose gold appearance. However, copper has poor corrosion resistance and is easily oxidized and discolored by air. If an AF (fluoride of hydrophobic materials) layer is directly deposited on the surface of the gold-copper alloy layer, the adhesion between the AF layer and the gold-copper alloy layer is insufficient, leading to easy peeling. This exposes the gold-copper alloy coating to air, accelerating the oxidation and discoloration of the internal copper, damaging the aesthetic appearance. Furthermore, the coating surface lacks fingerprint resistance and is easily contaminated with dirt. These are all technological challenges that urgently need to be addressed. Utility Model Content

[0003] The purpose of this application is to provide a metal physical vapor deposition composite coating structure. By setting a transparent transition layer between the gold plating layer and the protective layer, the adhesion of the protective layer is improved. At the same time, the multi-layer coating structure can completely isolate the internal gold plating layer from the outside air, preventing the metal in the gold plating layer from being oxidized by the air, which would cause discoloration and affect the appearance of the product.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, this application adopts the following technical solution:

[0005] On the one hand, a metal physical vapor deposition composite coating structure is provided, comprising: a gold plating layer, a transparent transition layer and a protective layer arranged sequentially, wherein the gold plating layer can be disposed on the product to be plated, and the transparent transition layer comprises any one or both of a silicon dioxide layer and a zirconium dioxide layer.

[0006] Furthermore, the transparent transition layer includes a silicon dioxide layer and a zirconium dioxide layer, the zirconium dioxide layer is disposed on the gold plating layer, the silicon dioxide layer is disposed on the side of the zirconium dioxide layer away from the gold plating layer, and the thickness of both the zirconium dioxide layer and the silicon dioxide layer is less than 0.01 μm.

[0007] Furthermore, the transparent transition layer also includes a gradient transition layer disposed between the zirconium dioxide layer and the silicon dioxide layer, wherein the zirconium content in the gradient transition layer gradually decreases from the zirconium dioxide layer toward the silicon dioxide layer.

[0008] Furthermore, the zirconium content in the gradient transition layer is reduced from 90 at% to 10 at%.

[0009] Furthermore, the gradient transition layer comprises at least three sublayers, and the zirconium content difference in each sublayer does not exceed 30 at%.

[0010] Furthermore, the protective layer is an AF hydrophobic layer.

[0011] Furthermore, a nanocomposite protective layer is provided on the side of the AF hydrophobic layer opposite to the transparent transition layer.

[0012] Furthermore, the nanocomposite protective layer comprises a composite material of diamond-like carbon and magnesium fluoride, wherein the diamond-like carbon content is 60-80 vol%.

[0013] Furthermore, the thickness of the gold plating layer is greater than or equal to 0.03 μm.

[0014] Furthermore, the gold plating layer is a gold-copper alloy layer, wherein the copper content is between 5 wt% and 20 wt%.

[0015] The beneficial effects of this application are as follows: The transparent transition layer adopts a silicon dioxide layer and / or a zirconium dioxide layer, which has stable chemical properties and good interfacial bonding ability with both the gold plating layer and the protective layer. The dense structure of the silicon dioxide layer or zirconium dioxide layer can effectively block the penetration of external air, prevent the metal elements in the gold plating layer from oxidizing and discoloring, and at the same time retain the rose gold appearance of the gold plating layer. As an intermediate medium, the transparent transition layer enhances the bonding strength between the protective layer and the gold plating layer, preventing the protective layer from falling off due to insufficient adhesion, thereby ensuring the overall stability of the plating layer. In addition, the protective layer forms a uniform hydrophobic surface through the anchoring effect of the transparent transition layer, further improving the anti-fingerprint and anti-fouling performance. This composite structure, through material adaptation and layered design, significantly improves the corrosion resistance, durability, and functionality of the plating layer while maintaining the decorative effect. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The present application will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the metal physical vapor deposition composite coating structure described in the embodiments of this application;

[0018] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the transparent transition layer described in an embodiment of this application.

[0019] In the diagram: 1. Gold plating layer; 2. Transparent transition layer; 201. Zirconia layer; 202. Silicon dioxide layer; 203. Gradient transition layer; 3. Protective layer; 4. Product to be plated; 5. Functional plating layer. Detailed Implementation

[0020] To make the technical problems solved by this application, the technical solutions adopted, and the technical effects achieved clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application are further described in detail below. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0021] In the description of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0022] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature being directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature being directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0023] like Figure 1 As shown, this embodiment provides a metal physical vapor deposition composite coating structure, including: a gold plating layer 1, a transparent transition layer 2, and a protective layer 3 arranged sequentially. The gold plating layer 1 can be disposed on the product 4 to be plated. The transparent transition layer 2 includes any one or both of a silicon dioxide layer 202 and a zirconium dioxide layer 201.

[0024] Based on the above scheme, by sequentially depositing a transparent zirconium dioxide layer 201, a silica transition layer, and a protective layer 3 on the surface of the gold plating layer 1, the overall performance of the plating layer is significantly improved. Specifically, the zirconium dioxide layer 201 directly covers the surface of the gold plating layer 1. Its dense structure can improve surface hardness and form a primary sealing barrier, effectively reducing the corrosion of the gold plating layer 1 by the external environment. The subsequently deposited silica transition layer, with its excellent interfacial bonding with the zirconium dioxide layer 201 and the protective layer 3, further strengthens the adhesion between layers, preventing the protective layer 3 from falling off due to stress or environmental factors. The silica layer 202 also serves as an anchoring carrier for the protective layer 3. Through the dual effects of chemical bonding and physical adsorption, the protective layer 3 forms a uniform and stable hydrophobic surface, thereby enhancing its anti-fingerprint and anti-fouling capabilities. The transparency of zirconium dioxide and silica completely preserves the rose gold appearance of the gold plating layer 1, and the superimposed sealing structure of the two completely isolates the gold plating layer 1 from the air, thoroughly blocking the oxidation path of metal elements. This multi-layered composite design achieves high adhesion, long-lasting oxidation resistance, and functional enhancement of the coating through progressive protection and interface optimization, ensuring the product's aesthetics and durability.

[0025] Preferably, the transparent transition layer 2 includes a silicon dioxide layer 202 and a zirconium dioxide layer 201. The zirconium dioxide layer 201 is disposed on the gold plating layer 1, and the silicon dioxide layer 202 is disposed on the side of the zirconium dioxide layer 201 away from the gold plating layer 1. The thicknesses of both the zirconium dioxide layer 201 and the silicon dioxide layer 202 are less than 0.01 μm. By refining the transparent transition layer 2 into a double-layer structure of zirconium dioxide layer 201 and silicon dioxide layer 202, and limiting the thickness of both to less than 0.01 μm, the interface bonding and protective performance are further optimized. The zirconium dioxide layer 201 is directly deposited on the surface of the gold plating layer 1, utilizing its high hardness to enhance surface density and form a primary physical barrier to block external corrosion. Simultaneously, its ultra-thin structure improves sealing while avoiding optical interference with the substrate color. The superimposed silica layer 202 forms chemical bonds with the zirconium dioxide layer 201 and the protective layer 3 through hydroxyl active sites, significantly improving interlayer stress matching and thus enhancing the anchoring stability of the protective layer 3. The synergistic effect of the two ultra-thin transition structures mitigates the difference in thermal expansion coefficients between the metal and fluoride through gradient material design, and achieves overall hermetically tight insulation of the coating through nanoscale dense stacking, ensuring that the copper element in the gold plating layer 1 is completely protected from oxidation risks under double sealing. This design achieves a balance between protective strength and interfacial bonding at the microscale, ensuring the coating maintains its rose gold color and functionality for a long time.

[0026] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2As shown, the transparent transition layer 2 further includes a gradient transition layer 203 disposed between the zirconium dioxide layer 201 and the silicon dioxide layer 202. The zirconium content in the gradient transition layer 203 gradually decreases from the zirconium dioxide layer 201 towards the silicon dioxide layer 202. The zirconium content in the gradient transition layer 203 gradually decreases from the bottom layer to the surface layer, achieving a smooth transition of the physicochemical properties of zirconium dioxide and silicon dioxide through a continuous gradual change in composition. This design effectively alleviates interfacial stress caused by lattice mismatch or differences in thermal expansion coefficients between the two materials, avoiding interlayer cracking or delamination due to stress concentration. Simultaneously, the gradient transition layer 203 forms a transition interface without a clear boundary through atomic diffusion, enhancing the metallurgical bonding strength between zirconium dioxide and silicon dioxide, further improving the overall density of the multilayer structure. The gradient transition layer 203 with continuously changing composition can also simultaneously optimize the barrier paths for oxygen and moisture, making the sealing performance more reliable by eliminating microscopic permeation channels caused by abrupt changes in interlayer composition. This design achieves synergistic enhancement of strong interlayer bonding and long-lasting protection through microscopic component regulation while maintaining transparency.

[0027] Specifically, the zirconium content in the gradient transition layer 203 is reduced from 90 at% to 10 at%. This specific ratio design allows the gradient transition layer 203 to form an optimal property gradient curve from the zirconium-rich end to the silicon-rich end: maintaining a high zirconium content (90 at%) near the zirconium dioxide layer 201 ensures continuity with the underlying hard properties, and then the zirconium content is linearly reduced to 10 at%, ensuring both chemical compatibility with the surface silica layer and maintaining sufficient structural strength. This precise compositional gradient design brings three advantages: first, the initial zirconium content of 90 at% ensures perfect lattice matching with the zirconium dioxide layer 201, avoiding interface defects; second, the continuously decreasing zirconium content results in a smooth transition in the coefficient of thermal expansion, effectively absorbing interlayer thermal stress; and finally, the terminal 10 at% zirconium content provides an ideal bonding interface for the silica layer 202, significantly enhancing interlayer bonding by forming Zr-O-Si mixed bonds. This precisely controlled composition gradient creates an ideal transition zone at the nanoscale without stress concentration, achieving an optimal balance between the mechanical stability and airtightness of the multilayer structure.

[0028] Furthermore, the gradient transition layer 203 comprises at least three sublayers, with the zirconium content difference in each sublayer not exceeding 30 at%. This layered design, by controlling the reasonable gradient of composition between adjacent sublayers, maintains a gradual change in performance while avoiding interface defects caused by excessive single compositional changes. The uniform and stable composition within each sublayer ensures the continuity of material properties; while the moderate compositional transitions between sublayers maintain the overall gradient trend and enhance structural controllability through well-defined interlayer interfaces.

[0029] In some embodiments, the protective layer 3 is an AF hydrophobic layer. The AF hydrophobic layer is formed on the surface of the silica transition layer using a chemical vapor deposition process, creating a dense fluorosilicone compound film. Its low surface energy characteristics give the coating excellent hydrophobic properties, significantly improving the water contact angle. This hydrophobic layer forms a synergistic protective system with the gradient transition layer 203: the bottom zirconium dioxide layer 201 provides mechanical support and primary sealing, the middle gradient transition layer 203 ensures interlayer bonding strength, and the surface AF hydrophobic layer imparts anti-fingerprint, anti-fouling, and easy-to-clean properties. This combined design maintains the metallic appearance of the coating while significantly improving the product's practicality and durability through the hydrophobic effect of the AF hydrophobic layer. In particular, a stable chemical bond is formed between the AF hydrophobic layer and the gradient transition-optimized silica layer 202, effectively solving the problem of easy detachment of the hydrophobic layer in traditional processes, thus maintaining the protective performance over a long period.

[0030] Furthermore, a nanocomposite protective layer is provided on the side of the AF hydrophobic layer opposite to the transparent transition layer 2. This nanocomposite protective layer adopts an inorganic and organic hybrid material system, forming a dense nano-network structure on the surface of the AF hydrophobic layer through plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition. Its special design brings triple protection advantages: First, the nanocomposite structure forms an interlocking interface with the AF hydrophobic layer through physical interpenetration, retaining the hydrophobic properties of the AF hydrophobic layer while significantly improving the surface scratch resistance; second, the organic-inorganic hybrid design gives the protective layer excellent flexibility, which can effectively buffer external mechanical impact; finally, the nanoscale porous structure maintains light transmittance while further blocking the penetration of environmental corrosive media. This composite design of hydrophobic layer + nanoprotective layer enables the coating to have comprehensive performance of hydrophobic and anti-fouling, wear and scratch resistance, and long-term protection, greatly improving the environmental adaptability and service life of the coating without affecting the product appearance.

[0031] Furthermore, the nanocomposite protective layer comprises a composite material of diamond-like carbon (DLC) and magnesium fluoride, wherein the DLC content is 60-80 vol%. By limiting the nanocomposite protective layer to a composite material of diamond-like carbon (DLC) and magnesium fluoride, and controlling the DLC content to 60-80 vol%, an optimized balance of surface protective performance is achieved. In this composite material, the DLC phase provides high hardness (20-40 GPa) and excellent wear resistance, while the magnesium fluoride phase imparts good optical transparency and chemical stability to the material. The 60-80 vol% DLC content range design has a dual advantage: on the one hand, it ensures that the material maintains sufficient hardness to resist scratches and abrasion; on the other hand, it avoids excessive internal stress and decreased light transmittance caused by excessively high DLC content.

[0032] Diamond-like carbon (DLC) is a materials science term. Besides amorphous carbon, DLC also contains small amounts of diamond microcrystals and graphite microcrystals, and its physical properties are very similar to those of diamond. Because the raw materials for preparing DLC ​​are hydrocarbons, it contains a large number of carbon-hydrogen groups in addition to carbon; the properties of DLC vary considerably depending on the type and number of these carbon-hydrogen groups.

[0033] Generally, the thickness of the gold plating layer 1 is greater than or equal to 0.03 μm, and the gold plating layer 1 is a gold-copper alloy layer, wherein the copper content is between 5 wt% and 20 wt%. By precisely controlling the copper content within the range of 5-20 wt%, a stable solid solution structure can be formed in the gold-copper alloy layer, maintaining the chemical inertness of the gold substrate while achieving an ideal rose gold color through copper doping. The design of a thickness ≥0.03 μm ensures that the plating layer has sufficient metallic texture and color saturation, while ensuring plating continuity to avoid defects such as pinholes. This technical solution brings several beneficial effects: firstly, the copper content range of 5-20 wt% produces a stable rose gold color while avoiding the oxidation problem caused by excessive copper content; secondly, a thickness of 0.03 μm or more ensures that the plating layer has sufficient hiding power and metallic luster; thirdly, the solid solution structure of the gold-copper alloy has good adaptability to PVD processes, enabling uniform and dense plating deposition. This precise control over composition and thickness allows the gold plating layer 1 to achieve an optimal balance between decorative effect, process stability, and cost control.

[0034] In addition, a processing method for this composite structure is proposed. First, a gold-copper alloy layer is deposited on the surface of the product to be plated (20-25 minutes, 4.5A current) using a gold target and hydrogen / argon / nitrogen gas to form a rose gold base layer ≥0.03μm. Subsequently, a zirconium dioxide layer 201 (4-10 minutes, zirconium target + hydrogen gas) and a silicon dioxide layer 202 (4-10 minutes, 6A current, silicon target + argon gas) are deposited sequentially, both with an ultra-thin thickness controlled within 0.01μm, which respectively enhances wear resistance and improves interlayer adhesion. Finally, a hydrophobic AF layer is formed by fluoride deposition (fluoride / xenonide + xenon gas) for 15-25 minutes at 4.5A current, achieving anti-corrosion and anti-fingerprint functions. The entire process ensures that the functional layers form a dense bond at the nanoscale by precisely controlling the deposition time, current parameters, and gas environment of each layer, ultimately achieving synergistic optimization of color performance, mechanical strength, and surface function.

[0035] It is worth mentioning that the gold plating layer 1 can also be plated on the surface of the product by a functional plating layer 5, thereby improving the stability between the gold plating layer 1 and the product.

[0036] In the description herein, it should be understood that the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and other orientations or positional relationships are used only for ease of description and simplification of operation, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used merely for descriptive distinction and have no special meaning.

[0037] In the description of this specification, references to terms such as "an embodiment," "example," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example.

[0038] Furthermore, it should be understood that although this specification describes embodiments, not every embodiment contains only one independent technical solution. This narrative style of the specification is merely for clarity. Those skilled in the art should consider the specification as a whole, and the technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other embodiments that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0039] The technical principles of this application have been described above with reference to specific embodiments. These descriptions are merely for explaining the principles of this application and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this application in any way. Based on this explanation, those skilled in the art can readily conceive of other specific embodiments of this application without inventive effort, and these embodiments will all fall within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A metal physical vapor deposition composite coating structure, characterized in that, include: A gold plating layer (1), a transparent transition layer (2), and a protective layer (3) are sequentially arranged. The gold plating layer (1) can be disposed on the product to be plated (4). The transparent transition layer (2) includes any one or both of a silicon dioxide layer (202) and a zirconium dioxide layer (201).

2. The metal physical vapor deposition composite coating structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The transparent transition layer (2) includes a silicon dioxide layer (202) and a zirconium dioxide layer (201). The zirconium dioxide layer (201) is disposed on the gold plating layer (1), and the silicon dioxide layer (202) is disposed on the side of the zirconium dioxide layer (201) away from the gold plating layer (1). The thickness of both the zirconium dioxide layer (201) and the silicon dioxide layer (202) is less than 0.01 μm.

3. The metal physical vapor deposition composite coating structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The transparent transition layer (2) further includes a gradient transition layer (203) disposed between the zirconium dioxide layer (201) and the silicon dioxide layer (202), wherein the zirconium content in the gradient transition layer (203) gradually decreases from the zirconium dioxide layer (201) toward the silicon dioxide layer (202).

4. The metal physical vapor deposition composite coating structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, The zirconium content in the gradient transition layer (203) is reduced from 90 at% to 10 at%.

5. The metal physical vapor deposition composite coating structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, The gradient transition layer (203) comprises at least three sublayers, each of which has a zirconium content difference of no more than 30 at%.

6. The metal physical vapor deposition composite coating structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The protective layer (3) is an AF hydrophobic layer.

7. The metal physical vapor deposition composite coating structure according to claim 6, characterized in that, The AF hydrophobic layer has a nanocomposite protective layer on the side opposite to the transparent transition layer (2).

8. The metal physical vapor deposition composite coating structure according to claim 7, characterized in that, The nanocomposite protective layer comprises a composite material of diamond-like carbon and magnesium fluoride, wherein the diamond-like carbon content is 60-80 vol%.

9. The metal physical vapor deposition composite coating structure according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The thickness of the gold plating layer (1) is greater than or equal to 0.03 μm.

10. The metal physical vapor deposition composite coating structure according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The gold plating layer (1) is a gold-copper alloy layer, wherein the copper content is between 5 wt% and 20 wt%.

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