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Robust and Transparent Antifogging Polysilsesquioxane Film Containing a Hydroxy Group.
Takashi Hamada1, Tetsuya Sugimoto2, Tetsuya Maeda1,3,4
1Collaborative Research Laboratory, Graduate School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Hiroshima University, 1-4-1 Kagamiyama, Higashi-Hiroshima, Hiroshima 739-8527, Japan.
Langmuir : the ACS Journal of Surfaces and Colloids
|April 22, 2022
Summary
This study developed a novel antifogging film using poly(3-(2,3-dihydroxypropoxypropyl)silsesquioxane) (PSQ-OH). The film demonstrates excellent transparency and superior scratch resistance, making it ideal for various applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Surface Engineering
Background:
- Silsesquioxane-based materials offer tunable properties for advanced applications.
- Developing effective antifogging coatings with robust mechanical properties is crucial for optical devices and surfaces.
- Existing antifogging solutions often compromise on durability or transparency.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize and characterize poly(3-(2,3-dihydroxypropoxypropyl)silsesquioxane) (PSQ-OH) films.
- To evaluate the antifogging performance, transparency, and mechanical properties of PSQ-OH films prepared via two distinct routes.
- To compare the efficacy of different hydrolysis methods for creating diol groups in the silsesquioxane structure.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of poly(glycidyloxypropyl)silsesquioxane (PGPS) via hydrolysis and polycondensation.
- Preparation of PSQ-OH films using two routes: acid-catalyzed hydrolysis in solution (Route A) and direct immersion of PGPS in acid (Route B).
- Characterization of film properties including water uptake, scratch resistance, transparency, and stability under humid conditions.
Main Results:
- PSQ-OH films were successfully prepared, exhibiting transparency (>90% transmittance) and good antifogging properties.
- Route B yielded films with significantly higher scratch resistance (2.7-3.6) compared to Route A (1.6), and 5-7 times higher than poly(vinyl alcohol).
- Water uptake varied between routes, with Route B showing higher values (up to 19%) depending on immersion time, while maintaining transparency.
Conclusions:
- The developed PSQ-OH films possess a promising combination of antifogging capability, high transparency, and excellent mechanical durability.
- Route B, involving direct acid immersion, is a more effective method for achieving superior scratch resistance in PSQ-OH films.
- These findings highlight the potential of PSQ-OH as a high-performance coating material for applications requiring anti-fogging and robust optical properties.
