Synthesis and Characterization of Hybrid Nanocomposites for Hard Coating Applications

This study explores the synthesis and characterization of a novel silicone-based hybrid hard coating material system for application on glass, metal, and polymer surfaces. Comprehensive analytical methods including Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), modulated differential scanning calorimetry (MDSC), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), thermal conductivity measurements, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and contact angle analysis were employed. The in-situ incorporation of ceramic nano powders (5 wt%) during the pre-polymeric stage into the polymer matrix was found to affect the curing process minimally, as indicated by FTIR. TGA results showed reduced thermal stability, while the addition of nanoparticles enhanced the specific heat capacity and thermal conductivity, attributed to the high thermal conductivity of the ceramic powders. DMA tan δ graph indicated an increase in glass transition temperature (Tg) from 273.83 °C (P-Neat) to 320.82 (P-SiC), 348.51 (P-BC), 352.1 (P-BN) due to the restriction of polymer chain mobility. XRD analysis revealed an increase in crystallinity. The contact angle (θ) data showed increase in contact angle from 84.23° (P-Neat) to 92.55° (P-SiC), 96.8° (P-BC), 99.63° (P-BN). The surface morphology of the P-Neat sample changed from smooth morphology to a distinctive “sea-island” structure as revealed by the FE-SEM study. Further scratch resistance tests showed that P-Neat, P-SiC, P-BC, and P-BN samples all withstood the scratch tests at respective loads of 1100 g, 1200 g, 1300 g, and 1300 g, respectively.