Rapid hybrid microwave cladding of SiO2/TiO2 sol–gel derived composite coatings

Ka Wai Yeung, Ling Chen, Chak Yin Tang, Man Tik Choy, Akeem Damilola Akinwekomi, Wing Cheung Law, Gary Chi Pong Tsui

Research output: Journal article publicationJournal articleAcademic researchpeer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)

Abstract

UV protection and coatings for plastics are important in many applications. The cladding of low microwave (MW) absorption composite coatings on high MW transparent plastic substrates is a challenge due to their disparate dielectric properties. Moreover, an uneven heat energy conversion within the composite creates an additional hurdle in producing a coating with good surface integrity. In this study, a protocol was developed to overcome these difficulties based on a hybrid approach. The adverse effect of temperature mismatch between the coating and substrate was reduced through a two-way susceptor-aided heating mechanism. Low MW absorbing sol–gel derived composite coatings consisting of silicon dioxide (SiO2) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) were successfully cladded on the surface of MW and visual light transparent polycarbonate to produce a clear protective coating with UV-resistance. Nanoindentation tests were conducted to assess the effectiveness of the proposed protocol. Significant enhancement in the surface elastic modulus and hardness were achieved.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)35-44
Number of pages10
JournalJournal of Sol-Gel Science and Technology
Volume98
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Apr 2021

Keywords

  • Microwave susceptor heating
  • Nanoindentation
  • Scratch resistance
  • SiO/TiO composite coating
  • Sol–gel processing
  • UV protection

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Ceramics and Composites
  • Chemistry(all)
  • Biomaterials
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Materials Chemistry

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