PTFE-Doped CeO2 Films: Synthesis, Characterization and Properties

Abstract

: Multi-functional hybrid films were developed by doping PTFE into CeO 2 by co-sputtering of CeO 2 and PTFE targets. The hybrid films formed on borosilicate glass substrate containing from 5 to 15 vol. % PTFE in CeO 2 showed UV shielding, high indentation hardness, hydrophobicity, optical transmittance in visible light, and high bending crack resistance. Optical properties of 100 nm thick CeO 2 -5 vol. % PTFE film revealed UV light shielding of more than 80 % at 380 nm and visible light transmittance higher than 80 %. Indentation hardness measured under the load of 0.001mN was more than 16,000N/mm 2 of 2.7 times higher than the glass substrate. No crack in the film was observed by bending 1.5 cm in diameter. Furthermore, the hydrophobic surface property was evaluated by the water contact angle to be higher than 90 degrees. Preliminary characterization of the CeO 2 -PTFE film using XPS and XMA revealed that chemical states of F in sputter doped PTFE in CeO 2 can be considered to exist as C-F and Ce-F compounds. On the other hand, chemical states of Ce changed partially from Ce +4 (CeO 2 ) to Ce +3 (Ce 2 O 3 or CeF 3 ) with increasing doped PTFEF in the film. In this rapid communication, we preliminary described the optical, mechanical and chemical properties of newly developed hybrid CeO 2 -PTFE films prepared by sputtering.