Ultra-Scratch-Resistant, Hydrophobic and Transparent Organosilicon-Epoxy-Resin Coating with a Double Cross-Link Structure

In this paper, an ultra-scratch-resistant, hydrophobic and transparent coating was fabricated by the sol-gel method using (3-Glycidyloxypropyl) triethoxysilane (GPTES) and curing agents. When the silanol was condensated, the ring-opening reaction of the epoxy groups also took place, which formed a double-cross-linked network (Si-O-Si and R3N). This network structure restricted the molecule chains from being twisted or dislocated, resulting in a great improvement of the abrasion resistance of the coating. A pencil hardness grade up to 8H was obtained. The coating also showed excellent stability after being soaked in pH = 2 and pH = 12 solutions, seawater and acetone, respectively. In addition, a water contact angle of 121 degrees was obtained by post-treatment with hexamethyldisilazane (HMDS). The average transmittance of the coating reached to 90% in the wavelength range of 400 similar to 800 nm, nearly identical to the glass substrate. With multiple desirable properties and a simple fabrication process, this low-cost coating shows great potential in many practical applications.

Automated summary

An ultra-scratch-resistant, hydrophobic and transparent coating was fabricated using the sol-gel method. The coating has a double-cross-linked network structure, which improves its abrasion resistance. It also exhibits excellent stability and transparency, making it suitable for various practical applications.