Preparation and characterization of antibacterial Ag-SiO₂ films on stainless steel by sol-gel method

A Ag-SiO₂ film was prepared on a stainless steel surface using sol-gel method and soak-lifting method. The structure of the film was studied by X-ray diffraction analysis, the hydrophilicity was characterized by measuring the contact angle, the corrosion resistance was determined in a 10% FeCl₃ solution, and the adhesion properties and antibacterial performance were tested. It is shown that the antibacterial Ag-SiO₂ film can be obtained on the stainless steel by sol-gel method. After oxidization for 10 min and five times dip-coating, as well as heat treatment, the film is firmly bonded with the stainless steel. The hydrophilicity and corrosion resistance of the film are improved, and the inhibitory rate to Staphylococcus aureus reaches up to 100%.