Adhesion of Al and Au: Investigating the Bond

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    Adhesion Bond
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the adhesion properties between aluminum (Al) and gold (Au), particularly in the context of depositing Au on an Al layer. Participants explore the challenges associated with this process, including intermetallic formation and potential solutions to improve adhesion.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the adhesion quality between Al and Au when depositing Au on an Al layer.
  • Another participant notes that the adhesion is poor and mentions the issue of intermetallic formation, specifically referencing "purple plague" as a potential problem.
  • A suggestion is made to deposit a titanium (Ti) or titanium/tungsten (Ti/W) layer between Al and Au to enhance adhesion and mitigate intermetallic issues.
  • A participant inquires about the thickness of the Ti layer, proposing 20nm as a possible option.
  • Another participant agrees that a Ti layer is advisable and suggests that 20nm should be sufficient.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the necessity of a Ti layer to improve adhesion, but there is no consensus on the optimal thickness or the extent of the adhesion issues.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not clarify the specific conditions under which the adhesion properties were evaluated, nor does it address the potential variability in results based on different deposition techniques or environmental factors.

Si14
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Dear all:

I wonder how the adhesion between Al and Au is. I am going to deposit Au on top of Al layer.

Regards.
 
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The adhesion is not that good. In addition, there is a problem of intermetallic formation (look up "purple plague" on Wikipedia) that can cause problems. For this reason, in my past experience we deposited a Ti or Ti/W layer between the Al and the Au to improve adhesion and prevent intermetallic formation.
 
Great hint. I am going to deposit about 200nm Au on Al layer. So you think it's better to deposit Ti between them? How thick this layer should be? 20nm is fine?

Thank again.
 
Yes, I think the Ti layer would be a good idea. 20nm should be thick enough.
 

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