Corrosion is one of the most common causes of damage to the surface of metallic materials. Metal corrosion cannot be completely eliminated, but its intensity can be reduced by selecting suitable materials, using new alloys, or using protective thin films and coatings on the surface of metals, especially in aggressive environments. Thin films of titanium dioxide were formed by dip coating on metallic substrates (aluminium sheet, stainless steel, and galvanised sheet). A very stable TiO₂ sol was synthesised using titanium isopropoxide precursor in the presence of isopropyl alcohol as solvent, acetic acid as reaction catalyst and acetylacetone as chelating agent. The topography of the surfaces of metallic substrates without and with a TiO₂ film was evaluated using atomic force microscopy and confocal microscopy. The surface properties of the films and the effect of ageing on them were characterised by measuring the contact angle and evaluating the surface free energy, its polar and dispersion components. A scratch test was used to monitor the adhesion of the TiO₂ film to metallic substrates. EDX analysis was used for chemical analysis of the films deposited on the metallic substrates. Based on the results obtained, we assume that the thin film of TiO₂ deposited on the metallic substrates could improve their corrosion resistance.

Acknowledgement: The work was made possible thanks to the financial support of the Cultural and Educational Grant Agency of the Slovak Republic (KEGA) under grant KEGA 001TnUAD-4/2025 . The work was supported by 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.