HYDROPHOBIC HYBRID INORGANIC-ORGANIC THIN-FILM PREPARED BY SOL-GEL PROCESS FOR GLASS PROTECTION AND STRENGTHENING APPLICATIONS

Hybrid systems based on 3-trimethoxysilyl propyl methacrylate, tetrame thylorthosilicate, and methyl methacrylate were developed for moisture protection and strengthening of glass objects. The hydrophobic behavi or of the hybrid was obtained by adding different fluorinated precurso rs to the hybrid solution. Experimental results show that among differ ent fluorinated percursors, 1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorooctyl trichlorosilane gives the best results, increasing the water contact angle up to 100 degrees and decreasing the free surface energy. Coated glasses exhibit higher strength (more than 50%) than uncoated glasses. The strengthen ing was interpreted in terms of a healing mechanism. (C) 1997 John Wil ey & Sons.