Investigation of atomic layer deposited amorphous alumina films for the prevention of water-based corrosion of glass

Water is corrosive to a wide range of materials, including silicate glasses, for which contact results in an exchange of modifier ions for protons, swelling of the altered glass, and eventually crack network evolution leading to mechanical failure; this process is referred to commonly as “glass disease”. Atomic layer deposition (ALD) of metal oxide thin films provides a seemingly near-ideal approach toward the protection of silicate glass from water-based corrosion, combining optical, transparency, and potentially high resistance to permeation by water. In this talk I’ll discuss the results of accelerated aging experiments in which ALD alumina-coated silicate glass is immersed in water at elevated temperatures and the rate of ion leaching into the water is monitored as a function of time. We find the application of such films to be capable of slowing water-mediated corrosion by at least an order of magnitude. Finally, I’ll discuss the role of film defects that limit the effectiveness of ALD alumina in preventer water-based corrosion.