DSC of as-deposited thin films dip-coated on the substrate

The formation process of a ceramic (indium oxide) thin film (thickness: approximately 20 nm to several microns) was investigated by thermal analyses. Thermal changes of an organic precursor, indium(III) 2-ethylhexanoate, dip-coated on a glass substrate was successfully detected by DSC in air. Exothermic phenomena were observed at marked lower temperatures for the thin films than for the bulk material; thinner films had slightly lower peak temperatures. The reaction mechanism is discussed with reference to mass spectra of the evolved gases.