Preparation of uniform TiO2 nanostructure film on 316L stainless steel by sol–gel dip coating

Sol was prepared by the mixing of tetra-η-butyle titanat, ethyl aceto acetate, and ethanol in an optimized condition. Polished 316L specimens were coated with the sol by dip-coating method. The influences of drying condition, withdrawal speed, calcination temperature, addition of dispersant, and pH of sol on TiO2 nanostructure coating were investigated. Choosing of alcohol as drying atmosphere hindered the crack formation. The relation between coating thickness and withdrawal speed was evaluated. The optimum temperature to create a uniform distribution of nanoparticles of anatase was derived as 400 °C. Average roughness of coating was found about 10.61 nm by AFM analysis. Dispersant addition promoted formation of a uniform film as well as prevention of agglomeration. Acidic sol provided smaller particles than neutral sol.