Engineered TiO2 and SiO2‐TiO2 films on silica‐coated glass for increased thin film durability under abrasive conditions

Abstract

Thin films durability is critical to retain its performance in real life applications. For automotive glass, further factors such as haze appearance developed under abrasive conditions become relevant to ensure the driver's visibility. Macroscopic abrasion resistance tests of TiO2/SiO2 and SiO2–TiO2/SiO2 thin films on soda‐lime silica (SLS) glass were performed according to an American standard for safety grazing. The purpose of this, was to increase the top active film durability in a bilayer system by understanding how film thickness and top film composition influence abrasion performance. In order to achieve this understanding, three approaches were considered: (a) determination of the influence of TiO2 top film thickness, (b) replacement of the TiO2 top film by SiO2–TiO2 films, and (c) determination of the influence of SiO2–TiO2 film thickness. Results showed that thinner top TiO2 film thickness leads to SiO2/TiO2 bilayers with lower haze value and improved abrasion resistance. It was also found that SiO2 addition to TiO2 top film composition promotes the thin film adhesion and sample durability against abrasive wear. Friction coefficient and micro‐hardness measurements support the abrasion results. Factors contributing to the improvement of the lifetime performance of TiO2 and SiO2–TiO2 thin films were identified.