PREPARATION OF STABLE METAL OXIDE SOLS, OF USE IN PARTICULAR FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF THIN FILMS HAVING OPTICAL AND ABRASION-RESISTANT PROPERTIES

摘要

The invention relates to a process for preparing metal oxide sols, having an aqueous component, which are stable over time and which make it possible, in particular, to manufacture thin films having both remarkable optical and abrasion-resistance properties. This process comprises: (i) replacing all or some of the alcohol or alcohols present in an alcoholic sol of a metal oxide, of neutral or basic pH, with water and optionally (ii) adjusting the pH of the aqueous or partially aqueous sol thus obtained to a value of at least 8. The invention also relates to a process for manufacturing films from these sols and, in particular, thin films having optical and abrasion-resistant properties. Applications: manufacture of optical components for high-power lasers, manufacture of optical fibres, cathode ray tubes, etc.