Abstract
Transparent conducting SnO 2 coatings of 0.16–1.2 μm thickness were deposited on polymer substrates using filtered vacuum arc deposition. Mechanical and electro-optical properties of the coatings were investigated. Surface topography, nano-indentation hardness and nano-scratch resistance were studied using an atomic force microscope equipped with a diamond pyramid tip. Electrical sheet conductivity and optical transmission were studied as a function of the coating thickness. The surface nanohardness of SnO 2 coated polymer samples was larger by at least an order of magnitude than that of the bare polymer surfaces. Transparent and conducting SnO 2 coatings reduced the light-load scratch wear rate of the polymer substrates by two to three orders of magnitude, while providing optical transmission and electrical conductivity. This combination of properties would be useful for fabricating transparent scratch resistant coatings for vehicle and aircraft windows.
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