Effect of type of solvent alcohol and its molar proportion on the drying critical thickness of ZrO2-3Â mol% Y2O3 films prepared by the sol-gel method

► Solution synthesis effect on drying critical thickness of YSZ films is investigated. ► Solvent alcohol affects film's drying critical thickness and its tensile strength. ► Critical thickness increases and tensile strength decreases with alcohol content. ► Routes are provided for preparing thicker, strengthened sol-gel films during drying.