RBS depth profiling of metal coatings on elastomer

Abstract

The surface composition of an elastomer upon vulcanization and modification by ion-beam-assisted deposition of bronze or titanium coatings was studied by Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy (RBS). After vulcanization, the near-surface layers of the elastomer contain 98.5% carbon, 1% sulfur, and 0.4% zinc. Oxygen and nitrogen were identified only in a thin (a few atomic monolayers) superficial layer, rather than in the whole modified layer. The ion-beam-assisted deposition of metals onto elastomers is accompanied by active processes of mass transfer at the phase boundaries of the modified structure.