Organic–inorganic hybrid hydrophobic Mg(OH)2−xFx–MTES coating with ultraviolet durability and high visible transmittance

Abstract

Hollow rod-like Mg(OH)2−xFx sol was synthesized by a solvothermal method, and then organic–inorganic hybrid Mg(OH)2−xFx–MTES copolymer sol was obtained by a hydroxyl condensation reaction between Mg(OH)2−xFx and MTES hydrolysate. The copolymer sols were deposited on glass substrates by a dip-coating method. The results showed that the average transmittance of the coating reached 99.13% in the visible wavelength range of 400–800 nm, and the water contact angle of the coating reached 133.3°. After the coatings were irradiated by ultraviolet light for 1200 h, the transmittance and the water contact angle of the coatings were hardly affected, the coatings exhibited excellent hydrophobicity and ultraviolet durability. At the same time, the mechanical properties of the coating are greatly enhanced by the formation of Si–O–Mg bond and the coatings have the advantage of durability in harsh environments.