Hydrophobic performance of SiCO coating on polycarbonate assessed by a dielectric method

Experimental evidence was produced and gathered to demonstrate the performance of a submicrometric-sized SiCO coating on polycarbonate. Identification and morphology of the deposit were established using micro-Raman spectroscopy and Transmission Electronic Microscopy, respectively. The amorphous- phase deposit of submicrometric thickness, on average of 825 nm, was found to succeed in changing the polymer properties when submitted to high humidity. In these conditions, the dielectric permittivity of the coated polymer, especially the real part, was found to be less than that of the bare polymer surface due clearly to the presence of H2O. Thus, this coating was found to be hydrophobic.