The Effect of TiO₂ Layers on the Surface Properties of Materials

TiO2-based thin layers are used to improve or change the surface properties of various materials. The work deals with the effect of TiO2 layers on the surface properties of selected substrates. The layers were prepared by the sol-gel method using the dip-coating technique on glass and stainless steel. The sol was prepared in "titanium isopropoxide - isopropyl alcohol - acetyl acetone - water - catalyst" system, whereas as catalyst was used nitric acid or acetic acid. The morphology and topography of the surfaces of the uncoated and coated substrates were evaluated by atomic force microscopy. Scanning electron microscopy was used to determine the layer thickness. The effect of TiO2 layers on the surface properties of materials was also evaluated using wetting angles, surface energy and its polar and dispersion components. Based on the results, especially the higher surface energy value, we can conclude that the TiO2 layer influenced the surface properties of the studied solid materials.