Properties of SnO2 coatings fabricated on polymer substrates using filtered vacuum arc deposition

The surface nanohardness of SnO2 coated polymer samples was larger by at least an order of magnitude than that of the bare polymer surfaces. Transparent and conducting SnO2 coatings reduced the light-load scratch wear rate of the polymer substrates by two to three orders of magnitude, while providing optical transmission and electrical conductivity. This combination of properties would be useful for fabricating transparent scratch resistant coatings for vehicle and aircraft windows.