Particle-reinforced water-based organic–inorganic nanocomposite coatings for tailored applications

We report the synthesis and characterization of three particle-reinforced water-based nanocomposite coatings. The films are sol–gel derived using non-ionic surfactant, with aluminum perchlorate (Al(ClO4)3) as a catalyst and 3-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane (GPTMS) as precursor. Through the aid of nanoparticle colloids and a minute amount of catalyst, dense, hard and monolithic materials are obtained. Incorporating metal oxide nanoparticles brings forth unique properties, such as absorbing harmful UV radiation. Silica colloid composites provide greatly enhanced mechanical properties without modifying the unique optical properties of inorganic materials. Water-based synthesis of these coatings is straightforward and produces very few harmful byproducts, making them ideal materials in industry. The materials presented are relatively hard and abrasion resistant with very good adhesion; two of the coatings are UV absorbent. Various colloids can be employed in our methods to tailor properties and resulting materials may serve applications such as optical, protective, catalytic, guest-host, and multifunctional coatings.