The determination of the optimum hydrolysis time for silane films deposition

Abstract There is an increased controversy regarding when the actual silane deposition process takes place, whether or not the silane solution should be left for a longer time before the silanization, so that a maximum concentration of hydroxil groups is achieved. The proposed method uses a specifically designed electrochemical cell to monitor the behaviour of the silane solution during hydrolisation process versus time. The main characteristic parameters are reunited into a goal function (the temperature influence is also taken into account) used for supplying the maximum coordinates, graphical method or from the first derivative. The results may be used further for the silane deposition process, so that the best possible coating is obtained.