Sputtered metal alloys for automotive applications

The use of polymers to replace traditional materials in the automotive, aerospace and other industries is continuing at a high pace. Polymers offer distinct advantages over glass and metals, such as weight, impact strength, and the ability to be formed into complex shapes. Coatings are used to enhance the plastic's functionality, such as changing its optical, electrical or surface properties.

In this study, thin metallic alloy reflective coatings of less than 50 nm were prepared by magnetron co-sputtering base metal (Cr, Al) and a dopant material (Zr, Ti, Si)  onto coated polymeric substrates. This report shows that the alloy composition can be used to control the macroscopic properties of the coating.