Hydrophobic Silane Research Articles

Load‐Bearing Structure Inspired Cellulose‐Based Aerogel With High Resilience and Water Tolerance

AbstractCellulose‐based aerogels possess satisfactory sustainability, porosity, and resilience, which are promising materials to replace traditional petroleum‐based foams. However, the viscous aggregation formed between hydrophilic fibers and the pore collapse caused by weak support force pose challenges for their further applications. Here, a load‐bearing structure‐inspired cellulose‐based aerogel is innovatively developed with excellent elasticity and water tolerance through surface‐interface modulation. Specifically, cellulose and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) form interwoven skeletons by non‐directional freeze drying. Crucially, the rhamnolipid surfactant assists in forming stable and uniform bubbles, and drives the regularization of frame structure during the freezing process, promoting the construction of refined mechanical structures. Besides, the interfacial enhancement by esterification reaction of citric acid and the encapsulation by hydrophobic silane via chemical vapor deposition endow aerogels with better resilience and water tolerance. The as‐prepared aerogels can withstand intensive compression cycle tests and possess the ability to rebound over 10 times underwater. Even after 12 h wet treatment, the strain and stress loss respectively decrease by ≈55.5% and ≈14% compare with the initial unregulated aerogels after 500 cycles of 80% compression. Surprisingly, they have excellent cushioning performance beyond expanded polystyrene (EPS) and expanded polyethylene (EPE) in simulated road transportation packaging applications, indicating their potential in new‐generation cushioning materials.

Preparation of superhydrophobic coatings with excellent durability by synergistic reinforcement of cationic starch and tannic acid

The intrinsic hydrophilicity of sustainable and environmentally friendly biobased materials like starch and its derivatives limits their potential as hydrophobic functional materials. This study presents an eco-friendly and non-toxic method to create coatings with exceptionally high hydrophobicity. Octadecyltrimethoxysilane (ODS) reacts with nano silica (SiO2) through a silane coupling reaction to form superhydrophobic SiO2. The Si-OH groups generated from ODS hydrolysis can undergo a condensation reaction with tannic acid (TA), which is rich in phenolic hydroxyl groups. This enables the hydrophobic silane to bind indirectly with cationic starch (CS), resulting in a stable superhydrophobic CS-based coating. The coating demonstrates significant hydrophobicity (contact angle >170°), excellent UV light transmittance (<4.05 %), self-cleaning properties, prolonged shelf life (over eight months), antibacterial activity, and encapsulation capability. It also shows a separation efficiency exceeding 99 % after 25 oil-water separation cycles and is easily recoverable. The study elucidates the mechanism behind the preparation process and the factors enhancing hydrophobic properties. The research findings suggest that the novel, cost-effective CS/TA/ODS/SiO2 coating offers a scalable solution for superhydrophobic applications and broadens the horizon for green starch use in hydrophobic materials.

Towards a further understanding of cement hydration at the early-age stage in the presence of hydrophobic silane IBTEO

Hydrophobic silane hinders internal water penetration by tuning the surface wettability of concrete. The presence of hydrophobic groups in the silane was observed to adversely influence early cement hydration. This study employs a combination of calorimetry, X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES), and total organic carbon (TOC) analysis to investigate the effects of hydrophobic isobutyl-triethoxysilane (IBTEO) on cement hydration. The results demonstrate that the silicate reaction integral to cement hydration slows as the concentration of hydrophobic silane increases. The nucleation of hydration products, such as calcium silicate hydrate (C–S–H), exhibits heightened sensitivity to the presence of hydrophobic silane. Although hydrophobic silane marginally impacts the initial dissolution of cement particles, it significantly decreases ion dissolution after 60 min. This reduction in hydration rate and the consequent delay in the emergence of the second exothermic peaks in hydration are attributable to the negative impact of the hydrophobic functional groups on the silicate reactions and the formation of hydrogen bonds. These findings offer new perspectives on the impact of hydrophobic silanes on cement hydration, potentially guiding the development of silane-cement systems towards enhanced superhydrophobicity and improved permeability.

Preparation and mechanism research on hydrophobic coupling modification of HTV silicone rubber

Neat high-temperature vulcanized silicone rubber (HTV SR) showed bad hydrophobicity due to the existence of a large number of inorganic reinforcing fillers on its surface, which affected its security application in outdoor insulation systems. In this work, hydrophobic silane chains were grafted onto the surface of inorganic particles on the skin layer of HTV SR by a one-step coupling modification to improve its hydrophobicity. The effects of coupling agent types and coupling reaction conditions on the hydrophobicity of HTV SR were investigated. It was determined that the perfluorooctane trichlorosilicon with a large number of low surface energy fluorine atoms was the preferred coupling agent. The contact angle of HTV SR was increased by 15.70% when the optimal coupling reaction conditions were determined to be a reaction temperature of 60°C, a reaction time of 4 h, and an amount of coupling agent of 0.5%. The study found that both etching reaction and grafting reaction occurred during the whole coupling modification process, which led to the disappearance or decrease of a lot of holes on the HTV SR surface. After the fluorination coupling reaction, the surface of HTV SR became smooth and dense that led to the decrease of water absorption. The result of Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy analysis showed the formation of C-F bond in HTV SR after fluorination modification, and the energetic dispersive spectroscopy analysis showed that the fluorine content on the surface of the fluorinated HTV SR increased significantly. Moreover, the stability analysis showed that the fluorinated HTV SR still had a good thermal stability and mechanical property stability.

One-step hybridization of silane hydrolysis and silica mineralization for enhanced superhydrophobic coating on cement-based materials

The complex and demanding marine environment poses significant challenges for concrete coatings. Despite the exceptional properties, superhydrophobic coatings have encountered limitations such as complex preparation processes and limited structural stability, thus impeding their widespread application. In this study, we employed molecular monomers to simultaneously conduct in-situ silica mineralization and silane hydrolysis reactions on mortar substrate. The mineralized product, nano-silica, effectively fills microcracks and pores, serving as an internal reinforcing agent. Simultaneously, the silica is utilized to construct a robust and dense micro-nano hybrid structure. The results in the preparation of a silica mineralized layer with exceptional mechanical strength on the surface. The in-situ hydrolysis of silane introduces a low surface energy for hydrophobic modification, leading to the formation of a stable superhydrophobic coating with a contact angle of 157°. Mineralized structure and hydrophobic surface offer both internal and external protective effects. This one-step approach promotes the complete hybridization of hydrophobic silane groups with the three-dimensional silica matrix. During the in-situ reaction process, the hydrolyzed silane molecules bond with the surface of silica microspheres, significantly enhancing the integrity and stability of the coating structure. Notably, even after multiple cycles of peeling and abrasion, the coating surface maintains its hydrophobic properties, further emphasizing its durability. The results demonstrate that this coating enhances both the structural and chemical performance of cement-based materials, paving the way for the expanded application and development of superhydrophobic coatings in the marine concrete industry.

Simulation Study of sc-CO2 Based Silylation for Decreasing Severity of Water Blockage and Salt Precipitation during Geological CO2 Storage in Deep Saline Aquifers

Deep saline aquifers are often favorable for underground CO2 sequestration due to their large capacity and relatively low likelihood for resource conflicts. However, many possible issues can arise during CO2 injection. Often these aquifers have a significant salinity level (as these often present minimal resource conflict issues) and as such salt precipitation near the injection wellbore can be problematic. Furthermore, when water blockage occurs, salt precipitation can be exacerbated since large amounts of water remain near the wellbore. Altering the rock wettability towards less water-wet can alleviate water blockage and in turn reduce the likelihood or severity of salt precipitation. Previous lab experiments have shown that supercritical CO2 (sc-CO2)-based silylation can effectively functionalize rock surfaces with hydrophobic silanes. In this study, numerical models were constructed to evaluate the combined effects of multi-phase fluid flow, water evaporation and salt precipitation assuming a change in wettability (thus impacting the relative permeability characteristics of the reservoir) resulting from the silylation process. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of this chemical treatment to address near wellbore salt precipitation induced by CO2 injection. According to the simulation results, a decrease in injectivity due to salt precipitation is more significant when water blockage is also present. Injectivity is deteriorated prominently in high salinity reservoirs with water blockage since evaporation into the injected CO2 phase will cause significant salt precipitation. In a representative formation, the injectivity decline is worse (up to 68.6% relative injectivity change (RIC)) when both salt precipitation and water blockage are considered since the latter provides more trapped brine inducing more salt accumulation around the wellbore. With hydrophobic silylation, the combined effects of salt precipitation and water blockage on RIC are decreased on an absolute basis by up to 7%. Depending on techno-economic considerations, this method is encouraged to be implemented as early as possible during a CO2 injection program to minimize salt accumulation from the outset.

Construction of green versatile coating integrating fireproof, electric-conduction and self-cleaning performance for cotton fabrics

The development of conductive cotton fabrics possessing superb self-cleaning and fire-proof performances exhibits vast vistas in wearable electronic devices. However, the secretion substances from human body or contaminants from the environment may interpret the normal functions of the devices and induces short-circuiting and even fire. Herein, a new strategy for the fabrication of multifunctional cotton fabrics was introduced, involving with the sequent coating of bio-based flame-retardant, conductive two-dimensional material and hydrophobic long chain alkyl silane. The multiple coating endowed the cotton fabric with a higher limited oxygen index value of 36.7% and a dramatical reduction in peak of heat release rate (74.4%) and total heat release rate (62.4%), also with a rapid self-extinguishing ability during burning. The deposition of MXene tremendously promoted the conductivity of the fabric and the coated fabric could make a steady-state electrothermal response of 129.3 °C at 5 V. Moreover, the fabric showed an excellent self-cleaning ability for common dyes and contaminants which allowed it to retain the normal functions under various conditions. The multifunctional cotton fabric designed in this work showed a high prospective in the practical applications of wearable electronics, flexible sensors, early warning, and even special membranes for extreme environments.

The Effects of Solvent on Superhydrophobic Polyurethane Coating Incorporated with Hydrophilic SiO2 Nanoparticles as Antifouling Paint

Polyurethane (PU) paint with a hydrophobic surface can be easily fouled. In this study, hydrophilic silica nanoparticles and hydrophobic silane were used to modify the surface hydrophobicity that affects the fouling properties of PU paint. Blending silica nanoparticles followed by silane modification only resulted in a slight change in surface morphology and water contact angle. However, the fouling test using kaolinite slurry containing dye showed discouraging results when perfluorooctyltriethoxy silane was used to modify the PU coating blended with silica. The fouled area of this coating increased to 98.80%, compared to the unmodified PU coating, with a fouled area of 30.42%. Although the PU coating blended with silica nanoparticles did not show a significant change in surface morphology and water contact angle without silane modification, the fouled area was reduced to 3.37%. Surface chemistry could be the significant factor that affects the antifouling properties of PU coating. PU coatings were also coated with silica nanoparticles dispersed in different solvents using the dual-layer coating method. The surface roughness was significantly improved by spray-coated silica nanoparticles on PU coatings. The ethanol solvent increased the surface hydrophilicity significantly, and a water contact angle of 18.04° was attained. Both tetrahydrofuran (THF) and paint thinner allowed the adhesion of silica nanoparticles on PU coatings sufficiently, but the excellent solubility of PU in THF caused the embedment of silica nanoparticles. The surface roughness of the PU coating modified using silica nanoparticles in THF was lower than the PU coating modified using silica nanoparticles in paint thinner. The latter coating not only attained a superhydrophobic surface with a water contact angle of 152.71°, but also achieved an antifouling surface with a fouled area as low as 0.06%.

Patterning Wettability on Solvent-Resistant Elastomers with High Spatial Resolution for Replica Mold Fabrication of Droplet Microfluidics.

Controlling the surface wetting properties of channels is crucial to the robust and reliable performance of microfluidic devices. Spatially patterned hydrophobic/hydrophilic microchannels have found utility across various applications, notably in the generation of higher-order emulsions. Unfortunately, the patterning of surface wettability currently requires multistep processes with limited spatial resolution, making it impractical for many applications. In this work, we take inspiration from soft lithography and have developed a new replica mold fabrication technique wherein both the channel geometry and surface wettability are transferred from the mold to the replica. In this approach, the mold is a silicon wafer with lithographically defined features etched into its surface to define the channel geometry and lithographically defined patterns of hydrophobic silanes to define surface wetting properties. The replica is a co-polymer network of PFPE-PEG, for which PFPE can be locally enriched by the mold's patterned silanes to define the spatially patterned wetting properties. We demonstrated the utility of this approach by fabricating a PFPE-PEG-based microfluidic chip, with hydrophobic/hydrophilic patterned microchannels, to generate double emulsions.

Solvent triggered shape morphism of 4D printed hydrogels

4D printing of smart materials is a viable field of research for fabricating dynamic structures for various biomedical applications. 4D printing of hydrogel structures is challenging due to poor printability of hydrogels and poor shape fidelity of printed patterns when direct-ink writing-based 3D printers are used. In this study, chitosan (CS) hydrogel ink cross-linked with citric acid (CA) was made printable, exhibiting a shape-morphing behaviour when exposed to solvent as an external trigger. As one side of a printed structure is exposed to solvent, the solvent diffuses in and a concentration gradient is developed across the section. This concentration gradient results in displacement field, which finally leads to out-of-plane bending of the structure. This actuation is irreversible in nature since the concentration gradient is maintained between hydrophilic chitosan and hydrophobic silane layers. The reversibility of the morphed structures was achieved by dipping them in ethanol, which takes up solvent over time and thus diminishes the concentration gradient.The optimized CS/CA ink exhibited excellent rheological properties, with good extrudability and shape fidelity of printed structures. The chitosan ink was printed into various complex 3D architectures and was modified by hydrophobic coating of trimethyl silane (TMS). These hydrophobic patterns were coated on printed structures with varied interspacing, angles, and hinges to generate programmable designs. A printed soft gripper was demonstrated as an application that could lift an object seven times its weight. The shape morphing CS/CA hydrogel with excellent printability exhibits potential for 4D printing that has wide applications in soft robots, actuators, grippers, and sensors.

Formation of mixed hybrid bilayer lipid membrane on transparent thin film oxide electrodes

In this work, we attempted to design phospholipid bilayers tethered to semiconducting metal oxide films. The phospholipid layers assembled on compact monocomponent self-assembled monolayers (SAM) on oxide films were accomplished earlier; however, previous studies indicated a poor ability of these layers to functionally reconstitute transmembrane proteins. Commercially available fluorine doped tin oxide (FTO) sheet glass was chosen as a model solid support. FTO surface was functionalised utilising by the mixture of the long and short chain hydrophobic silanes. Specifically, octadecyltrichlorosilane (OTS) and vinyltrimethoxysilane (VTS) were used to assemble mixed silane-based SAMs on FTO. Exposure of mixed SAMs to a solution of multilamellar vesicles of 1,2-dioleoylsn- glycero-3-phosphocholine (DOPC) and 40% cholesterol triggered the changes of electrochemical parameters commensurate with the formation of additional dielectric layers of phospholipids.

Gel-mediated chemo-mechanical control of calcium carbonate crystal formation

The production of synthetic crystals with controlled shapes and properties is an enticing prospect, yet, the production of such materials is an ongoing challenge. Here, we present a strategy for chemo-mechanically directing the growth of crystals with non-equilibrium structures using a custom-designed double-diffusion cell. We combine chemical additives (e.g., Mg2+ ions) and mechanical confinement (e.g., hydrogel networks) to modulate the growth of calcium carbonate crystals. Specifically, the combination of Mg2+ ions with a strong agarose gel results in calcitic structures, at the gel-glass slide interface, with distinct fried egg-like morphologies and radial or Maltese-cross extinction patterns. In contrast, precipitation with only Mg2+ or agarose results in aragonite spherulites or squished calcite rhombohedra, respectively. Raman spectroscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy of the “fried eggs” reveals that they are composed of Mg-calcite, which becomes less disordered over time, and the “egg whites” make this transition before the “yolks”. We propose that the “fried eggs” form due to a spherulitic growth process molded by the crystallization-induced delamination of the gel away from the glass slide at the gel-glass interface. In support of the importance of the gel-glass interface, the “fried eggs” do not form when the glass slide is treated with a hydrophobic silane, suppressing heterogeneous nucleation and weakening the interfacial adhesion between the gel and glass, making it easier for the gel to delaminate, thus reducing the confinement effect. As such, this work highlights the important chemo-mechanical role that gel environments can play in crystal formation.

Reliable Paper Surface Treatments for the Development of Inkjet‐Printed Electrochemical Sensors

AbstractThe need for disposable, simpler, and accurate paper‐based analytical devices represents an open research field that is focused on simpler fabrication methods. To achieve this, four feasible methodologies are proposed for the direct printing of an electrochemical sensor on a biodegradable paper substrate using commercial gold and silver inks, which are compatible with inkjet printing technology. Four substrate treatment strategies are evaluated: printing the active elements directly on the hydrophilic bare paper, a hydrophobic gas‐phase coating over all the substrate, a hydrophobic silane ink that is selectively printed on the paper, and a hydrophobic coating that is selectively printed and blocks the surface porosity. Thanks to the ability of the inks to conform the cellulose fibers, the resulting working electrodes tune their electrochemical active area, showing higher active electrochemical areas when the roughness is increased. The most planar consideration is achieved blocking the paper porosity with SU‐8 and the direct printing on bare paper maximizes the electrochemical response with the smallest geometric area, with current values 2.7‐times higher than the theoretical one. Although all methods allow a functional electrochemical sensor, the highest reproducible results are accomplished with the blocked paper, consequently allowing a higher controlled and robust manufacturing approach.

Functionalization of Diamine-Appended MOF-Based Adsorbents by Ring Opening of Epoxide: Long-Term Stability and CO2 Recyclability under Humid Conditions.

Although diamine-appended metal-organic framework (MOF) adsorbents exhibit excellent CO2 adsorption performance, a continuous decrease in long-term capacity during repeated wet cycles remains a formidable challenge for practical applications. Herein, we present the fabrication of diamine-appended Mg2(dobpdc)-alumina beads (een-MOF/Al-Si-Cx; een = N-ethylethylenediamine; x = number of carbon atoms attached to epoxide) coated with hydrophobic silanes and alkyl epoxides. The reaction of epoxides with diamines in the portal of the pore afforded sufficient hydrophobicity, hindered the penetration of water vapor into the pores, and rendered the modified diamines less volatile. een-MOF/Al-Si-C17-200 (een-MOF/Al-Si-C17-y; y = 50, 100, and 200, denoting wt % of C17 with respect to the bead, respectively), with substantial hydrophobicity, showed a significant uptake of 2.82 mmol g-1 at 40 °C and 15% CO2, relevant to flue gas concentration, and a reduced water adsorption. The modified beads maintained a high CO2 capacity for over 100 temperature-swing adsorption cycles in the presence of 5% H2O and retained CO2 separation performance in breakthrough tests under humid conditions. This result demonstrates that the epoxide coating provides a facile and effective method for developing promising adsorbents with high CO2 adsorption capacity and long-term durability, which is a required property for postcombustion applications.

Tuning the Charge of Sliding Water Drops.

When a water drop slides over a hydrophobic surface, it usually acquires a positive charge and deposits the negative countercharge on the surface. Although the electrification of solid surfaces induced after contact with a liquid is intensively studied, the actual mechanisms of charge separation, so-termed slide electrification, are still unclear. Here, slide electrification is studied by measuring the charge of a series of water drops sliding down inclined glass plates. The glass was coated with hydrophobic (hydrocarbon/fluorocarbon) and amine-terminated silanes. On hydrophobic surfaces, drops charge positively while the surfaces charge negatively. Hydrophobic surfaces coated with a mono-amine (3-aminopropyltriethyoxysilane) lead to negatively charged drops and positively charged surfaces. When coated with a multiamine (N-(3-trimethoxysilylpropyl)diethylenetriamine), a gradual transition from positively to negatively charged drops is observed. We attribute this tunable drop charging to surface-directed ion transfer. Some of the protons accepted by the amine-functionalized surfaces (−NH2 with H+ acceptor) remain on the surface even after drop departure. These findings demonstrate the facile tunability of surface-controlled slide electrification.

Intrinsic graphene/cement-based sensors with piezoresistivity and superhydrophobicity capacities for smart concrete infrastructure

Different surface coatings were applied for graphene/cement-based sensors with self-sensing capacity to achieve an effective way for superhydrophobicity to mitigate piezoresistive instability due to various humidity in this paper. The results show that the cement-based sensors treated by the twice coating can reduce the water absorption by half and exhibit the highest water contact angle of 163.4°. The hydrophobic silane can penetrate into the cement-based sensors after the once/twice coating if 4% silane is used with isopropanol. However, it was still difficult to observe the hydrophobic groups inside the cement matrix subjected to the silane without isopropanol. On the other hand, the effect of surface coatings on the piezoresistive sensitivity was also investigated after the surface coating treatments. The sensitivity of cement-based sensor was dozens of times higher than the commercially available strain gauges. The related results will promote the practical application of superhydrophobic cement-based sensors for structural health monitoring of the smart concrete infrastructure.

One-step formation of core/shell structure based on hydrophobic silane ligands for enhanced luminescent perovskite quantum dots

Organometal halide perovskite (MAPbX3; MA = CH3NH3, X = Br, I) quantum dots (QDs) have attracted significant interest as color-adjustable and high-purity light-emitting materials for lighting and display applications. However, the photoluminescence (PL) intensity and lifetime of the organometal halide perovskites are negatively affected by their polarity and poor thermal stability. Here, to improve these issues, the synthesis of hydrophobic MAPbBr3 QDs@SiO2 core/shell structures through a split-ligand mediated re-precipitation (S-LMRP) method is presented. This is done through one-pot process without ligand exchange treatment after QDs synthesis. In this synthesis, 3-aminopropyl(diethoxy)methylsilane (APDEMS) is used as the silica precursor to obtain a hydrophobic surface with CH3 groups. Therefore, core/shell QDs synthesized using APDEMS are hydrophobic, which induce superior dispersibility. This also have good stability in polar solvents as well as thermal and photo environments, unlike the bare-QDs. This has the advantage of not only protecting the perovskite core due to the shell, but also suppressing the release of heavy metals. Moreover, it has a relatively narrow full width at half-maximum and a PL quantum yield of 96.5%. Turbiscan measurements demonstrated better dispersibility in the newly designed core/shell QD compared to the conventional QD (agglomerated in suspension). Finally, this proposed method enable is applicable to the preparation of not only green but also red and blue light-emitting core/shell QDs, which is expected to have an attractive impact for display applications.

Porous Membranes with Special Wettabilities: Designed Fabrication and Emerging Application

Porous materials have become a burgeoning research interest in materials science because of their intrinsic porous characteristics, versatile chemical compositions, and abundant functionalities. Re...

Tribological performance of high density polyethylene (HDPE) composites with low nanofiller loading

High density polyethylene (HDPE) nanocomposites were prepared by melt mixing of the polymer with 0.5–1.0 wt-% hydrophobic surface treated fumed silica and titanium nitride (TiN) nanopowders, fiber-shaped halloysite nanotubes (HNT), and graphene oxide (GO) nanoplatelets in the presence of trace amount of organic peroxide. Surface treatments of the nanofillers with hydrophobic vinyltrimethoxy silane (VTMS) were accomplished in boiling toluene solvents and in the case of fumed silica, most feasibly in ethanol solvent. Sliding friction and wear of the nanocomposites were characterized by pin-on-disk (POD) test against polished bearing steel disc. Microstructures of the nanocomposites, and the wear surfaces were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Microindentation experiments were carried out to measure the surface hardness, elasticity and the plastic and elastic work of indentation. VTMS surface coverage was highest on fumed silica and GO powders, which also correlated with the most homogeneous and fine filler dispersion in HDPE polymer, and showed the best performance of the nanocomposites in the POD test. In all cases, the addition of silane treated nanopowders reduced the sliding wear of the HDPE against polished steel counter surface. Moreover, deviation of the wear rate data between parallel measurements was greatly reduced by the nanofiller addition indicating homogenous structure. The coefficient of friction (COF) of the neat polymer was reduced only in the case of TiN filler. Inverse linear trend was found between the specific wear rate of the nanocomposites and a parameter derived from micro-indentation data (HIT*total work of indentation)−1, which is formally similar to the well-known Ratner-Lancaster correlation.

In-situ thin coating of silica micro/nano-particles on polymeric films and their anti-fogging application

Polymeric films, e.g., polyethylene (PE), coated with a thin layer of silica micro/nano-particles (SiO2 M/NPs) were prepared using a modified Stöber method in the presence of corona treated and non-treated PE films. The obtained films were washed of excess reagents and non-bonded (free) SiO2 M/NPs and dried. Only the corona-treated PE films were coated with a thin layer of SiO2 M/NPs while the non-treated films were almost empty of bound SiO2 particles. PE films composed of bound mesoporous silica NPs were similarly prepared with the addition of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) in the polymerization process. The effect of various polymerization parameters, e.g., tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS) concentration, ammonium hydroxide concentration and the volume ratio [ethanol]/[water], on the diameter and diameter distribution of the free and surface bound particles were elucidated. Characterization of the SiO2 coated films was accomplished by routine methods such as DLS, HRSEM, water contact angle measurements, AFM and FIB. The SiO2 M/NP coatings on the PE films were found to be durable and did not significantly affect the optical properties of the film. Among the different types of SiO2 coated PE films prepared in our lab only those prepared with CTAB were found to be highly suitable for anti-fogging use.This process of SiO2 coating may be used for many other polymeric films, e.g., PET, PP, PMMA, PC, PVC, etc. as well as for various applications such as superhydrophobic, antimicrobial or UV blocking coatings. This can be done by binding long hydrophobic silane compounds (e.g., octadodecyl trichlorosilane), a positively charged silane compound or a UV absorbing silane, respectively, to the bound SiO2 particle surfaces.