Research progress on preparation and tribological investigation of sol-gel-derived ceramic-based ultra-thin films

Ceramic-based ultra-thin films are promising candidates as protective coatings for wear resistance, anticorrosion and heat resistance against oxidation, which possess superior physical, chemical and mechanical properties. The process to prepare sol-gel ceramic-based ultra-thin films is introduced. The recent progress of the tribological investigation on the resulting ceramic-based ultra-thin film is reviewed. The characterization of the ceramic-based ultra-thin film is briefed, and the topics to be further researched are suggested as well.