Effects of 60Co γ-radiation on the structural, morphological, optical, tribological and mechanical properties of SnO2 sprayed thin films

•SnO2 thin films were synthesized by Spray pyrolysis.•The deposited thin films crystallized in tetragonal structure.•Irradiation increases grain size but decreases dislocation density and microstrain.•The Urbach energy increases with increasing γ-irradiation dose.•Irradiation reduces mechanical performance in terms of hardness, friction, wear resistance and adhesion.