Hard coatings on polycarbonate plate by sol-gel reactions of silicates and melamine derivative

Abstract

Hard coating was made on a polycarbonate plate using a sol-gel process with a melamine derivative and silicates, and examined as potential substitutes for automobile glass. Methylated poly (melamine-co- formaldehyde), tetraethoxysilane, and phenyltriethoxysilane were used to form a coating solution. The coatings on the polycarbonate plate were deposited using a sol-gel process. Poly(methyl methacrylate) was coated on the surface of polycarbonate in order to improve adhesion property. The optimum conditions and formulation to obtain excellent physical properties of the coating were determined. Adding the melamine derivative to the coating solution, the pencil hardness of the coating was improved. The hardness of a 3H class pencil, excellent abrasion resistance, and surface uniformity were found in the coated polycarbonate surface.