ABSTRACT The basic mechanisms governing the process of cracking of single-layer brittle films have been extensively explored through both simulations and experiments. However, the role that an adhesive interlayer plays in the cracking of the overlying brittle film remains unclear. By performing three-point bending experiments, we observed that the insertion of a 100 nm thick Ti interlayer changed the cracking behaviour of TiN films from a continuous pattern to a discontinuous pattern. The slight change in the microstructure of the film and the increase in film thickness arising from the addition of the Ti interlayer are unlikely to cause the observed cracking morphology. The combination of the different interface between the Ti and the steel substrate and the fracture of the Ti interlayer are responsible for the transition in the TiN film cracking morphologies.

中文翻译：

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粘合夹层引起钢基体上 TiN 薄膜的不连续开裂

摘要 通过模拟和实验，已经广泛探索了控制单层脆性薄膜开裂过程的基本机制。然而，粘合剂夹层在上覆脆性薄膜开裂中所起的作用仍不清楚。通过进行三点弯曲实验，我们观察到插入 100 nm 厚的 Ti 中间层将 TiN 薄膜的开裂行为从连续图案改变为不连续图案。薄膜微观结构的轻微变化和由于添加 Ti 中间层引起的薄膜厚度增加不太可能导致观察到的裂纹形态。