Phase Composition, Structure, and Microwave Absorption of Magnetron-Sputtered Co–C–Cr Multilayer Films
Prokhorenkova N. Zhilkashinova A. Abilev M. Łatka L. Ocheredko I. Zhilkashinova A.
September 2025Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI)
Compounds
2025#5Issue 3
Multilayer thin films composed of cobalt (Co), carbon (C), and chromium (Cr) possess promising electromagnetic properties, yet the combined Co–C–Cr system remains underexplored, particularly regarding its performance as a microwave absorber. Existing research has primarily focused on binary Co–C or Co–Cr compositions, leaving a critical knowledge gap in understanding how ternary multilayer architectures influence electromagnetic behavior. This study addresses this gap by investigating the structure, phase composition, and microwave absorption performance of Co–C–Cr multilayer coatings fabricated via magnetron sputtering onto porous silicon substrates. This study compares four-layer and eight-layer configurations to assess how multilayer architecture affects impedance matching, reflection coefficients, and absorption characteristics within the 8.2–12.4 GHz frequency range. Structural analyses using X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy confirm the coexistence of amorphous and nanocrystalline phases, which enhance absorption through dielectric and magnetic loss mechanisms. Both experimental and simulated results show that increasing the number of layers improves impedance gradients and broadens the operational bandwidth. The eight-layer coatings demonstrate a more uniform absorption response, while four-layer structures exhibit sharper resonant minima. These findings advance the understanding of ternary multilayer systems and contribute to the development of frequency-selective surfaces and broadband microwave shielding materials.
Co-C-Cr thin film , magneto-optical properties , magnetron sputtering , microstructure , multilayer coatings
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National Research Laboratory for Collective Use, Sarsen Amanzholov East Kazakhstan University, 34 Tridtsatoy Gvardeiskoy Divizii Street, Ust-Kamenogorsk, 070002, Kazakhstan
Department of Analytical, Colloid Chemistry and Technology of Rare Elements, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, 71 Al-Farabi Avenue, Almaty, 050040, Kazakhstan
Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, 5 Lukasiewicza Street, Wroclaw, 50-371, Poland
National Research Laboratory for Collective Use
Department of Analytical
Faculty of Mechanical Engineering
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