Characterisation of SnOx films on architectural glass by neutron reflectometry, SIMS, CEMS and spectrophotometry

In this paper the optical properties of tin oxide and tin-oxide/silicon-oxide coatings of some commercial flat glasses were measured. These on-line coatings were deposited between forming and annealing of the moving float glass ribbon by atmospheric-pressure chemical vapour deposition with the substrate at a temperature of 600 degrees C. The optical properties of the coatings were related to their chemical, structural and compositional characteristics by using several complementary analytical techniques. The stoichiometry of the coatings and their crystallinity were analysed by conversion electron Mossbauer spectroscopy. The thicknesses and compositional profiles of the single and double layers of the coatings were determined by secondary ion mass spectrometry. Neutron reflectometry confirmed the thicknesses of the thinner coatings while this technique cannot be applied in the case of tin oxide layers thicker than 500 nm. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.