Thin titanium dioxide films represent a sophisticated approach to surface modification of materials. They are used as anticorrosive, anti-abrasive and antistatic coatings, protecting surfaces from wear, atmospheric and thermal effects. Additionally, they are applied as antireflective, self-cleaning or conductive transparent films on glass. This work focuses on the preparation and characterization of thin titanium dioxide films deposited on stainless steel substrates, depending on the processing temperature. The films were prepared by the sol-gel method from titanium isopropoxide and applied to the substrates using the dip-coating technique. The films were heat treated at 400 °C and 450 °C. The elemental composition of the films was monitored by X-ray fluorescence spectrometry. The morphology and surface roughness of the films were observed by atomic force microscopy. Nanointendation analysis was used for determining of nanomechanical properties of films. The sessile drop method was used to evaluate the hydrophobicity and surface free energy of the deposited films, and the given properties were also applied for evaluation the effects of UV irradiation. Considering the investigated properties, it was found that heat treatment at 450 °C is more suitable for the preparation of the given thin TiO₂ films.

Acknowledgement: The work was supported by the project KEGA 008TNUAD-4/2025 and the project Advancement and support of R&D for “Centre for diagnostics and quality testing of materials” in the domains of the RIS3 SK specialization, code NFP313010W442.