Preparation of ZrO2 coating with high refractive index by hydro-thermal process

A new method to prepare ZrO2 coating with high refractive index from inorganic precursor (ZrOCl2·8H2O) is reported. ZrO2 sol with particle size from several to tens nanometer is prepared by hydro-thermal process. The water in the sol is then replaced with methoxyethanol by distillation. The ZrO2 coatings are prepared with spin coating method. The surface micro morphology of the film are detected by atom force microscope and α-step apparatus. The infrared transmittance spectra of the films are also obtained. The film thickness and refractive index are measured by ellipsometers, and their relationship with the temperature of thermal treatment is investigated. The influences of the incorporating organic binder PVP (polyvinyl pyrrolidone) on the refractive index and the scratch resistance of the film are also discussed briefly