The structure and mechanical properties of thick rutile-TiO2 films using different coating treatments

► Rutile-TiO2 nanopowders were prepared using a modified homogeneous-precipitation process at low temperature. ► Thick TiO2 films were formed by natural air-drying, water-vapor exposure, and calcination treatments, respectively. ► Mechanical properties, including refractive index, hardness and Young's modulus, of the pretreated films were determined and compared with related surface morphology.