Sol-gel derived nickel-doped TiO2 films as wear protection coatings

Abstract

Thin films of pure and Ni-doped TiO2 were prepared on a glass substrate by sol-gel and spin-coating process from specially formulated ethanol sols. The morphologies of the films surface were observed with atomic force microscope (AFM). The tribological properties of the obtained thin films sliding against steel ball were evaluated on a one-way reciprocating friction tester. AFM results show that by the addition of the Ni in TiO2, smooth surfaces were obtained. As a result, the Ni-doped TiO2 films exhibit better wear protection properties than pure TiO2. The best protection was observed for 5% Ni-doped TiO2 films in this study. © 2013 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.