Size effect in the bilayer coatings of titanium-carbon. 2. The dependence of structure and properties on the thickness of carbon layer

The dependence of the phase composition and mechanical properties of carbon layers deposited on titanium nano-interlayer on their thickness has been determined. It is found that the catalytic effect of the substrate is most pronounced in the carbon layer with a thickness of less than 90 nm. In thicker layers the character of size effect on the structure and phase composition is similar to that of the carbon coatings without interlayer. It is shown that the size dependence of optical properties manifested in improving the transparency and changing the band gap with increasing the thickness of carbon layer is associated with the occurrence of diffusion process at the interphase.