Preparation of thick silica films by gel deposition on a stainless steel
Thick silica films were prepared on a stainless steel sheet (SUS304) by the electrophoretic sol-gel deposition method in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). Electrophoretic deposition was carried out for the silica sols prepared from tetraethoxysilane under the basic conditions. SDS was added as a dispersant in sol preparation. While deposited films were peeled off during drying process in the absence of SDS, thick films were prepared in the presence of SDS; the maximum thickness of the films was approx20 mu m at an applied voltage of 30 V and a SDS content of 0.05 mass%. A stainless steel spiral (SUS304) is used as a counter electrode.