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Ultrastable and Durable Silicone Coating on Polycarbonate Surface Realized by Nanoscale Interfacial Engineering
Yibo Zhao1,2, Junli Zhang1,2, Qing Xu1
1National Engineering Research Center for Advanced Polymer Processing Technology, Key Laboratory of Materials Processing and Mold, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450000, China.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|February 19, 2020
Summary
Researchers developed a novel nanoscale interfacial engineering method to create durable silicone coatings on polycarbonate. This technique significantly enhances adhesion and protects against harsh conditions, improving the longevity of protective films.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Surface Engineering
- Polymer Science
Background:
- Delamination of coatings from polymer substrates reduces the lifespan of protective films.
- Silicone coatings are susceptible to degradation from UV light, heat, and mechanical stress due to poor adhesion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a method for fabricating ultrastable and durable silicone coatings on polycarbonate (PC) substrates.
- To improve the interfacial adhesion and mechanical robustness of silicone coatings on polymers.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a nanopillar array on PC surfaces using vacuum-assisted hot embossing with anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) templates.
- Characterization of interfacial shear strength (ISS) with varying nanopillar dimensions.
- Testing coating stability under UV irradiation, hydrothermal aging, and mechanical cycling.
Main Results:
- Achieved significant improvement in interfacial shear strength (ISS) on nanostructured PC surfaces.
- Maximum ISS of 9.9 MPa obtained with nanopillars of 320 nm diameter.
- Nanostructured interfaces dissipated stress and prevented cracking, maintaining transparency and performance in harsh environments.
Conclusions:
- Nanoscale interfacial engineering enhances silicone coating durability on polycarbonate substrates.
- The method offers a promising approach for creating highly stable and durable transparent surface protection.
- Controlled nanopillar structures effectively improve interfacial adhesion and prevent delamination.
