Preparation and characterization of hybrid nanocomposite coatings by photopolymerization and sol-gel process

Organic-inorganic nanocomposite hybrid coatings were prepared through a dual-cure process involving cationic photopolymerization of epoxy groups and subsequent condensation of alkoxysilane The kinetics of the photopolymerization and condensation reactions were investigated; Suitable conditions for obtaining a complete conversion of both reactive groups were found. The obtained films, are transparent to visible light. The T-g values of the hybrids increase by increasing the TEOS content in the photocurable formulation. Also, a significant increase in surface hardness could be obtained for the hybrid system.. AFM analysis gave evidence of a strong interaction between the organic and inorganic phase with the formation of silica domains ill the nanoscale range. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.