TiO_2-K-2SiO_3 inorganic coatings were prepared and the factors that influenced their properties were described accordingly. The experiments to assess the properties of TiO_2-K-2SiO_3 coatings on silver (Ag has many applications in aerospace technology as solar cell interconnects) for anti-AO effects were carried out and the coatings with and without exposure to AO impingement from ground-simulation were also studied. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy ( FT-IR), X- ray photoelectron spectroscopy ( XPS), X-ray diffraction ( XRD ), LAMBDA-9 spectrophotometer, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to characterize the chemical and physical changes of the surfaces of unprotected and protected Ag samples. The results indicate that Ag is susceptible to AO erosion, presents mass loss and surface degraeation. TiO_2-K-2SiO_3 inorganic coatings have excellent properties for anti-AO effects and good stablility for space environment.

Key words: TITANIUM OXIDE, POTASSIUM SILICATE, OXYGEN, STABILITY, SEM, XRD, IR, XRD