Composite film processing

Abstract

Under the broad umbrella of chemical solution depositions (CSD), synthesis of thick films (>1 μm) using a combination of sol and particles (consisting of particles >100 nm size) has first been reviewed. Here the sol is used to both enhance the sintering and performance of conventional powder films as well as being integral to the formation of true powder-sol composite films where the sol forms in integral part of the deposited ink. Advantages and limitation of these composite sol-gel processing techniques are considered and deposition routes explored. The subsequent sections are devoted to outline the novel concept of composite thin film synthesis using molecular precursors. Based on the authors' own experience and existing literature, the perspective, potential and possibilities of the electro-ceramic thin films synthesized using sub 100 nm particulate precursor sols has been outlined.