Composite Ag/C:H:N films were deposited by means of an unbalanced magnetron operated in a gas mixture of nitrogen and n-hexane. Composition of the films was controlled by electric power delivered to the magnetron and by ratio of nitrogen and n-hexane in the working gas mixture. The films were characterized using transmission electron microscopy, by the absorption spectra in visible and near infrared regions and by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Immediately after film deposition and without breaking vacuum (in situ) corresponding vibration infrared spectra were scanned and their evolution during ageing of the films was monitored. Wettability as determined from water contact angle was improved with raising nitrogen contents, i.e. with increasing the electric power and the ratio of nitrogen/n-hexane in the working gas mixture. The increased wettability is likely caused by presence of NHx groups in Ag/C:H:N films. The incorporation of nitrogen effectively prevents the formation of carboxylate groups on the silver inclusions surfaces during the aging in the open air. In addition, the oxidation mechanism of the polymer matrix is modified. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.