An electroless (solution growth) technique based on the thermooxidative decomposition of
zinc dialkyldithiophosphates (ZDDPs) in solution, has been developed for the deposition of
thin phosphate films on a wide variety of metals including gold and silver. An additional
annealing step in air results in a uniform, sturdy, and well-adhering film, consisting of small
(submicrometer) intergrown particles bonded to the metal surface. The coating process is
very simple and well controlled. Any shape can be coated. Films ranging in thickness from
10s to 1000s of angstroms can be generated reproducibly, depending on the solution
temperature and time of heating. These films are very hard, have excellent mechanical
stability and reasonable chemical stability, and should be useful for many protective purposes.
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