An investigation of gold/ceramic and gold/glass interfaces

Abstract

This paper describes how various characterisation methods can be used to investigate the physicochemical and spectral properties of gold films in contact with glass or ceramic. The interface between the metal and substrate has been given special attention. The examples chosen to illustrate this include: liquid gold films (decorated and fired) or inlayed gold layers on ceramic wares and "sandwich" gold foils between two glass sheets for mosaic application. Characterisation methods include: microanalytical scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, ion beam analyses (PIXE: particle induced X-ray emission; RBS: Rutherford back-scattering spectrometry), photo-spectrometry and colorimetry. The adhesion mechanism and colour behaviour of the coated objects is discussed.