A ceramic coated surface refers to a surface that has been coated with a thin layer of ceramic material. This coating is typically applied through a process called thermal spraying or plasma spraying, where ceramic particles are melted and sprayed onto the surface using a high-velocity gas stream.

Ceramic coatings can provide a range of benefits depending on the application, including increased hardness, wear resistance, corrosion resistance, and thermal resistance. They can also improve the aesthetics of a surface by adding a smooth, shiny finish.

Ceramic coatings are used in a variety of industries, including aerospace, automotive, and medical, among others. They are commonly applied to components that are exposed to harsh environments or subjected to high stress, such as turbine blades, engine components, and medical implants.

Some common ceramic materials used for coatings include aluminum oxide, titanium dioxide, zirconia, and silicon carbide, among others. The specific material chosen depends on the application requirements and the properties needed for the coating to perform effectively.

It is possible that the poor surface quality of the titanium-gold coating you have sputtered is due to surface contamination. Sputtering is a physical vapor deposition technique that requires a clean surface to achieve good adhesion and uniformity of the deposited material. If the surface is contaminated or soiled, the adhesion of the coating may be compromised, resulting in poor surface quality.

Contaminants on the surface can come from various sources, such as oils, grease, dust, or other particles that may have settled on the surface. These contaminants can interfere with the sputtering process and prevent the deposited material from adhering properly to the substrate.

To avoid surface contamination, it is important to properly clean and prepare the substrate before sputtering. This typically involves cleaning the surface with a suitable solvent, followed by rinsing with deionized water and drying with a clean, lint-free cloth. It is also important to handle the substrate carefully to avoid introducing new contaminants.

If you suspect that the poor surface quality is due to contamination, you may want to try cleaning the substrate thoroughly before attempting to sputter again. If the problem persists, there may be other factors affecting the sputtering process that need to be addressed.