Multifunctional Hard Yet Flexible Coatings Fabricated Using a Universal Step-by-Step Strategy

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Surface Science

Background:

• Developing multifunctional coatings with both hardness and flexibility is challenging.
• Applications in foldable displays and marine industries require durable, high-performance coatings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To create a highly cross-linked hybrid coating with ceramic-like hardness and polymer-like flexibility.
• To impart multi-functionalities including transparency, anti-biofouling, and self-cleaning properties.

Main Methods:

• A step-by-step strategy involving sol-gel synthesis of epoxy-oligosiloxane nanoclusters.
• Cross-linking of nanoclusters with amine-terminated curing agents at room temperature.
• Incorporation of fouling-resistant telomer and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) for specific properties.

Main Results:

• The resulting coating exhibits high transparency (>92%), hardness (6-7H), and flexibility (10 mm bending diameter).
• The coating demonstrates excellent anti-biofouling and self-cleaning properties due to its composition.
• Mechanical and antifouling properties are tunable, showcasing the versatility of the synthesis method.

Conclusions:

• The developed hybrid coating successfully combines hardness, flexibility, and multi-functionalities.
• The step-by-step synthesis approach is a promising and universal method for advanced coating development.
• The novel coatings are suitable for demanding applications like foldable displays and marine environments.