DURCH REAKTIVE ZERSTAEUBUNG HERGESTELLTE DURCHSICHTIGE UEBERZUEGE.

摘要

A method for depositing a protective coating by cathode sputtering of an alloy of aluminium and silicon in a reactive gas is disclosed. The sputtering target contains sufficient silicon to produce an amorphous coating; 6 to 18 percent silicon is preferred. Targets of approximately 88% aluminium and 12% silicon are especially preferred. Oxygen, nitrogen, compounds of oxygen and compounds of nitrogen are preferred reactive gases. A range of combinations of oxygen and nitrogen are particularly preferred. The method provides durable transparent coatings which may be used as an overcoating for a metal or dielectric coating to provide increased resistance to abrasion and corrosion. In particular, the protected coating may be a metal, dielectric or dielectric-metal-dielectric coating as used in double-glazed window units for buildings or vehicles.