A nickel-molybdenum alloy target is a material used in physical vapor deposition (primarily magnetron sputtering) processes. Under high-vacuum conditions, the target is bombarded, causing its atoms or molecules to be ejected and deposited onto a substrate (such as glass, silicon wafers, or plastic) to form a thin, uniform nickel-molybdenum alloy film.
Preparation method for nickel-molybdenum alloy targets
Raw material preparation: High-purity nickel powder (purity ≥99.95%) and molybdenum powder (purity ≥99.95%) are selected and precisely weighed according to the target alloy composition (e.g., Ni-10Mo, Ni-20Mo).
Forming: Cold isostatic pressing (CIP) is commonly used; the mixed powder is loaded into an elastic mold and pressed at 150–200 MPa to produce a green compact with sufficient strength. The green compact is then placed in a vacuum or hydrogen-protected furnace and pre-sintered at 1000–1200°C to remove interstitial gases, initiate alloy phase formation, and increase the compact's density.
Hot-press sintering: The material is held at 1200–1400°C and 30–50 MPa in a vacuum environment for 2–4 hours, utilizing high temperature and pressure to promote particle bonding.
Machining: The sintered billet is machined to the precise dimensions and shapes required by the customer, ensuring the bonding surface (for attachment to a backing plate) achieves exceptional flatness and surface finish.
Applications of Nickel-Molybdenum Alloy Targets
Thin-film solar cells: Commonly used as the back contact layer in CIGS (copper indium gallium selenide) thin-film solar cells.
Semiconductor industry: Serves as a diffusion barrier to prevent interdiffusion between different metal layers (such as between copper interconnects and silicon substrates), thereby avoiding the formation of harmful silicides or circuit short circuits.
Decorative and protective coatings: Due to their excellent corrosion and wear resistance, nickel-molybdenum alloy films can be deposited on surfaces such as watches, eyewear, bathroom hardware, and automotive parts; this protects while imparting a specific metallic luster and appearance to the products.
Corrosion-resistant coatings provide a barrier against chemical corrosion and wear for critical components in sectors such as the chemical industry, marine engineering, and medical devices.
Other applications of nickel-molybdenum alloys
Chemical process industries: Used to manufacture critical equipment-such as reactors, evaporators, heat exchangers, and valves-resistant to pure hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, acetic acid, and various non-oxidizing organic acid media.
Petrochemicals and energy: High-temperature, high-pressure heat exchangers and reaction vessels used in processes such as coal liquefaction, natural gas purification, and methanol synthesis.
Aerospace and high-temperature structures: Components such as aero-engine combustion chambers, afterburner nozzles, missile casings, and high-temperature load-bearing parts for spacecraft.
Marine engineering and shipbuilding: Drilling pumps, valves, and high-pressure piping systems for offshore platforms, capable of long-term resistance to sand-laden seawater and microbial corrosion.
