Liquid-phase deposition and the properties of thin zirconium dioxide films on different substrates

Abstract

In recent years, the interest of the researchers to the methods of synthesis of inorganic thin oxide films from low-temperature liquid solutions permanently increases. This is explained by the recent achievements in the technology of deposition of the films, including, in particular, chemical deposition, sputtering, laser ablation, and evaporation. The liquid-phase deposition is an aqueous procedure of deposition of oxide films. In our investigation, we try to improve the adhesion and stability of zirconium-oxide coatings on polymers. Ceramic coatings (ZrO2) protect the surface of the substrate against reactions with acids and oxidation. The deposition of ceramic coatings on polymers is connected with serious problems due to the sensitivity of polymers to the action of chemical reagents and high temperature. We make an attempt to explain the role of the substrate in the process of deposition of zirconium-oxide films from the liquid phase on the Kapton polymeric material with different types of surface treatment. It is shown that even insignificant variations of the pH value, temperature, and composition of the solution can noticeably affect the crystalline film, adhesion, and growth rate. Thin films are very smooth, homogeneous, and characterized by the presence of an insignificant number of cracks.