FILM COATING TECHNOLOGIES AND ADHESION

Solid Polymer Electrolyte (SPE) films must be formed in a reproducible, controlled manner in order to construct devices which take advantage of their unique properties. Film coating processes that yield reproducible thin films will be reviewed vis-a-vis the device requirements (eg thin film lithium batteries) of SPE films. Solution characteristics important for film coating processes will be presented and process control parameters outlined. Film defects and their control in processing are major problems which must be addressed in the choice of materials and coating process for thin film applications. Proper processing of SPE films will be a key to their utilization, and the criteria for correct choice of a coating process for this type of film will be examined. A further key to the proper utilization of SPE film will be their wetting and adhesion to device substrates, ie lithium, in the case of thin film batteries. Poly(ethylene oxide) SPE films may have advantages in this respect if their adhesion behavior is analogous to that of PEO-based polymers used in the protective organic coatings.