Thin SiO2---TiO2---ZrO2 films from alkoxide solutions

Different solutions containing alkoxides of silicon, titanium, and zirconium have been prepared. Some of their properties like the time dependent viscosity and the gelling time have been measured and are reported here for different H₂O, HCl, ethanol and/or formamide contents. Microscope slides have been dip coated in these solutions. After baking, film thickness and chemical durability have been determined.

In order to get good SiO₂---TiO₂---ZrO₂ glass coatings, the withdrawal speed should not exceed 5 cm/min unless the viscosities of the solutions are reduced by the addition of ethanol. By such a dilution, the film thickness could also be reduced, while the addition of formamide caused a delayed increase of the viscosity and increased gelling times. For this reason, solutions containing formamide can be used for longer periods. The chemical durability of the substrates against boiling NaOH solution is enhanced by the SiO₂---TiO₂---ZrO₂ glass coatings.