Self-Catalytic Ceramicization in Transparent Ablation-Resistant Organosilicon-Boron Coatings for Advanced Fire...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Coatings Technology
• Fire Protection Engineering

Background:

• Preserving cultural artifacts necessitates advanced coatings with high transparency, mechanical strength, and ablation resistance.
• Balancing these critical performance metrics in protective coatings presents a significant challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel organosilicon-boron dual-network structure for synergistic self-catalytic ceramicization.
• To create high-transparency, ablation-resistant, and fire-retardant coatings for artifact preservation.

Main Methods:

• Sol-gel processing using triethyl borate and trimethoxysilane to synthesize silicone-boron coatings.
• Characterization of mechanical properties (9H hardness, ≤2 mm bending diameter), light transmittance (up to 99.9%), adhesion, and fire retardancy (UL-94V-0, LOI 35.5%).

Main Results:

• Developed coatings exhibit excellent transparency (99.9%), hardness (9H), flexibility (≤2 mm bending diameter), and adhesion to glass and ceramic.
• Achieved superior fire protection with UL-94V-0 rating and limiting oxygen index (LOI) of 35.5%.
• Demonstrated rapid formation of a compact ceramic barrier layer upon flame exposure, ensuring ablation resistance.

Conclusions:

• The dual cross-linked network structure enhances both hardness and flexibility.
• Synergistic catalytic effects of boron and phosphorus (Si/B/P) promote ceramic network formation, blocking heat and flame.
• This approach offers a versatile strategy for designing advanced transparent, ablation-resistant fire protection coatings.