ESCA examination of tin oxide coatings on glass surfaces

ESCA analysis was carried out on glass surfaces which had been treated with SnCl₄ vapour or with SnCl₄/butyl acetate spray at temperatures of 450–650°C. Two forms of stannic tin werer indentified, one assigned to SnO₂ and the other to Sn in association with one or more of the glass elements. Varying proportions of each form of stannic were obtained, depending on type and temperature of treatment. Two forms of carbon were also found, one due to normal hydrocarbon contamination in the instrument, the other apparently associated with the treatment layer.