Engineered TiO 2 and SiO 2 ‐TiO 2 films on silica‐coated glass for increased thin film durability under abrasive conditions

Thin films durability is critical to retain its performance in real life applications. For automotive glass, further factors such as haze appearance developed under abrasive conditions become relevant to ensure the driver's visibility. Macroscopic abrasion resistance tests of TiO 2 /SiO 2 and SiO 2 –TiO 2 /SiO 2 thin films on soda‐lime silica (SLS) glass were performed according to an American standard for safety grazing. The purpose of this, was to increase the top active film durability in a bilayer system by understanding how film thickness and top film composition influence abrasion performance. In order to achieve this understanding, three approaches were considered: (a) determination of the influence of TiO 2 top film thickness, (b) replacement of the TiO 2 top film by SiO 2 –TiO 2 films, and (c) determination of the influence of SiO 2 –TiO 2 film thickness. Results showed that thinner top TiO 2 film thickness leads to SiO 2 /TiO 2 bilayers with lower haze value and improved abrasion resistance. It was also found that SiO 2 addition to TiO 2 top film composition promotes the thin film adhesion and sample durability against abrasive wear. Friction coefficient and micro‐hardness measurements support the abrasion results. Factors contributing to the improvement of the lifetime performance of TiO 2 and SiO 2 –TiO 2 thin films were identified.