Here are some common methods to make inorganic polysilazane coatings hydrophilic:
Chemical modification introduces hydrophilic groups
Reaction with hydroxyl containing compounds: Utilize the active groups (such as Si-N, Si-H, etc.) in inorganic polysilazane coatings to chemically react with hydroxyl containing compounds. For example, by reacting with small molecule polyols such as ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, etc., hydroxyl groups are introduced into the molecular structure of polysilazane. Hydroxyl groups can form hydrogen bonds with water molecules, thereby enhancing the affinity between the coating and water, making the coating exhibit hydrophilicity.
Interaction with carboxyl containing substances: Select organic compounds containing carboxyl groups (such as acrylic acid, succinic acid, etc.) to chemically bond with the active groups of inorganic polysilazane coatings. Carboxyl groups can also reduce the surface energy of coatings and attract water molecules through hydrogen bonding and other interactions when in contact with water, promoting the transition of coatings from hydrophobic to hydrophilic.
Grafting hydrophilic polymer: By chemical reaction, hydrophilic polymer segments are grafted onto inorganic polysilazane coatings. For example, by connecting polyethylene glycol (PEG) segments to polysilazane molecules through reactions such as hydrosilylation, PEG has good hydrophilicity. A large number of PEG segments are distributed on the surface of the coating, which significantly improves the coating's affinity for water and makes the coating hydrophilic.
Hydrolysis reaction changes structure
Control hydrolysis conditions: Controllable hydrolysis of inorganic polysilazane, such as adjusting environmental humidity, temperature, and adding appropriate catalysts, to promote the gradual conversion of Si-N bonds in polysilazane to Si-O bonds. The silicon oxygen structure formed after hydrolysis is rich in hydroxyl groups, which can form hydrogen bonds with water molecules, making the coating hydrophilic. For example, fully hydrogenated polysilazane can form nano hydrophilic superhard stain resistant coating materials through specific hydrolysis processes, with significantly reduced water contact angle.
Surface treatment to construct microstructure
Plasma treatment: The surface of inorganic polysilazane coatings is treated using plasma technology, such as oxygen plasma. High energy particles in plasma can bombard the surface of coatings, introducing polar functional groups (such as hydroxyl, carbonyl, etc.) on the surface to increase its hydrophilicity; On the other hand, it can etch the surface to form microscopic rough structures, and based on the "superhydrophilic effect", make it easier for water to spread on the coating surface, achieving an improvement in hydrophilicity.
Sol gel method construction: using the sol gel method, a layer of gel with specific microstructure is formed on the surface of the inorganic polysilazane coating. For example, a hydroxyl rich gel layer with nanoscale concave convex structure is constructed on the surface of the coating through hydrolysis, polycondensation and other processes with tetraethyl orthosilicate as the precursor, which can not only provide a site for forming hydrogen bonds with water, but also enhance the adsorption and spread of water with the help of microstructure, making the coating hydrophilic.
Room termperature curing polysilazane, pls check
IOTA 9150, IOTA 9150K.
High termperature curing polysilazane, pls check
IOTA 9108,
IOTA 9118.