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Ladder-Like Polysilsesquioxane Enable Space-Durable Ultrathin Hard-Yet-Flexible Transparent Coatings
Yun-Yu Liu1,2, Ding-Yu Hou3, Wen-Yue Wang1,2
1Key Laboratory of Science and Technology on High-tech Polymer Materials, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P. R China.
Advanced Materials (Deerfield Beach, Fla.)
|May 11, 2026
Summary
Researchers developed ultrathin protective coatings for space systems. This new coating balances hardness, flexibility, and durability using a novel cooperative hydrolysis-condensation strategy for enhanced performance in harsh space environments.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Aerospace Engineering
Background:
- Transparent protective coatings are critical for polymer film-based space deployable systems.
- Achieving abrasion resistance, mechanical compliance, space durability, and ultrathin thickness simultaneously is a significant challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop ultrathin (∼2 µm) transparent protective coatings with a rare combination of properties for space applications.
- To establish a molecular-level design principle for balancing hardness, deformability, and environmental durability in ultrathin coatings.
Main Methods:
- A cooperative hydrolysis-condensation strategy was employed using organic polysilazane (OPZ) and bis[3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl]amine (BTMSPA).
- Controlled in situ formation of a ladder-like polysilsesquioxane (LPSQ) network from a homogeneous hybrid precursor under mild humidity.
- Utilized the secondary amine of BTMSPA to create a weakly alkaline environment for sustained hydrolysis and co-condensation to regulate kinetics.
Main Results:
- Developed ultrathin coatings (∼2 µm) integrating LPSQ backbones with deformable organic linkages.
- Achieved high hardness (∼0.73 GPa), strong elastic recoverability (∼80%), high optical transparency (∼94.1%), and robust adhesion.
- Demonstrated stability under space-relevant thermal, radiative, and atomic oxygen (AO) stressors.
Conclusions:
- The cooperative hydrolysis-condensation strategy enables precise control over reaction kinetics and network topology.
- This approach successfully balances hardness, deformability, and environmental durability in ultrathin coatings.
- The findings provide a molecular-level design principle for advanced protective coatings in demanding environments.
