Fabrication of composite films containing zirconia and cationic polyelectrolytes

Composite films were prepared by electrophoretic deposition of poly(ethylenimine) or poly(allylamine hydrochloride) combined with cathodic precipitation of zirconia. Films of up to several micrometers thick were obtained on Ni, Pt, stainless-steel, graphite, and carbon-felt substrates. When the concentration of polyelectrolytes in solutions and the deposition time were varied, the amount of the deposited material and its composition can be varied. The electrochemical intercalation of yttria-stabilized zirconia particles into the composite films has been demonstrated. Obtained results pave the way for the electrodeposition of other polymer-ceramic composites. The deposits were studied by thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray diffraction analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy. The mechanisms of deposition are discussed.