Morphology and characterization of ITO-Ag-ITO films on fibers by layer-by-layer method

Indium tin oxide embedded with silver particles (ITO-Ag-ITO) multilayer films are deposited on the surface of fibers as reflective coatings through layer-by-layer method. Surface of fibers was modified by sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate which is used as an excellent surfactant to increase the charge negativity of fibers. Silver layer was in situ obtained due to the reduction of SnCl₂. Based on the electrostatic adsorption mechanism, scanning electron microscope (SEM) and electron dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) results show that multilayer films are well deposited onto fibers smoothly and densely. Transmission tests show that multilayer coated fibers have better near infrared (NIR) and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) reflectivity due to the embedded silver layer and the reflectivity is increased during high-temperature densification process.