AlSiN Coating for Scratch and Friction Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing scratch-resistant coatings for glass and glass ceramic articles, such as those used in cooktops and vehicle windows, suffer from poor chemical resistance to salted water and high static friction, leading to delamination and rough surfaces that hinder sliding properties.
Innovation Solution
A transparent AlSiN cover layer with an Al:Si mixing ratio of 20:80 to 95:05 at % is deposited using high power impulse magnetron sputtering, resulting in a smooth, amorphous layer with a surface roughness of Ra < 1.5 nm, which improves sliding properties and scratch protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a silicon nitride layer is deposited by sputtering to achieve high hardness, then scratch resistance is improved, but the surface becomes rough and static friction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the deposition parameters by using high power impulse magnetron sputtering with specific power densities (10-100 W/cm²) and controlling the nitrogen atmosphere to produce a smooth amorphous AlSiN layer with Ra < 1.5 nm, achieving both hardness and smooth surface finish
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite coating system with aluminum and silicon nitride (AlSiN) in specific ratios (Al:Si from 20:80 to 95:05 at%), combining the scratch resistance of silicon nitride with the low friction properties of aluminum nitride
2Strength
If an aluminum-doped silicon nitride layer is deposited to improve hardness, then scratch protection is enhanced, but chemical stability to salted water deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the aluminum content parameter to specific ranges (Al:Si ratio from 20:80 to 95:05 at%) and controls the deposition energy parameters to create a chemically stable amorphous AlSiN layer that resists salted water burn-in while maintaining scratch resistance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains the amorphous phase of the AlSiN layer through controlled deposition parameters, preventing crystallization that would occur with excessive aluminum content or temperature, thereby ensuring chemical stability while preserving mechanical properties
3Stability of the object's composition
If a crystalline aluminum nitride layer is deposited to achieve low expansion coefficient, then thermal stability is improved, but adhesion to glass substrate deteriorates due to cracking and delamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the deposition parameters to produce an amorphous AlSiN layer with controlled aluminum content (20-95 at%), which has lower thermal expansion than pure SiN but better adhesion than crystalline AlN, achieving a balance between thermal stability and adhesion
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite amorphous AlSiN layer that combines the low thermal expansion of aluminum nitride with the better adhesion and chemical stability of silicon nitride, resolving the contradiction between thermal stability and adhesion
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The AlSiN layer provides enhanced chemical resistance to salted water burn-in and reduced static friction, ensuring better sliding performance and improved scratch protection for various applications, including cooktops and vehicle windows.
Implementation Method 1
A transparent, scratch-resistant coating is produced by depositing an AlSiN cover layer on a glass or glass ceramic substrate using a sputtering process
Implementation Method 2
The cover layer consists of an amorphous, in particular X-ray amorphous AlSiN layer
Data Source
AI summary
A scratch-resistant amorphous and transparent AlSiN cover layer on a glass or glass ceramic substrate is provided. The cover layer has a low surface roughness and has sliding properties with respect to pots and other items. The cover layer is transparent in the visible light range and also largely transparent in the infrared range and has good chemical resistance to salted water burn-in.