A new analysis on how tiny particles applied as coatings change transparent plastic’s characteristics pave the way for researchers to develop light-weight windows with almost the same strength as glass.
According to the researchers at MIT, who performed the analysis, this technique can also create scratch-proof, robust coatings, finding its application on different materials. The study made use of a polymer known as poly methyl methacrylate (PMMA), broadly utilized as an alternative to glass. This material is commonly known as acrylic and is brittle and less-resistant to scratches when compared to glass.
Other scientists have integrated nanometer-sized silica particles in PMMA, leading to the formation of a particle-polymer nanocomposite having superior strength. However, MIT researchers have identified a method to study the interactions of particle-polymer of these coatings at the nano-level, which in turn could favor the development of advanced coatings.
Due to its transparency, the team utilized silica particles for the coating, so as to maintain the transparency of the completed product. Since acrylic and silica are not actually compatible, the silica particles were treated with other molecules’ "functional groups" thereby altering the surface chemistry so that it spreads uniformly on the surface of the polymer.
The polymer was heated by the researchers in order to soften it a little, and they utilized an atomic force microscope (AFM) to view the particles embedding slowly into the surface. The obtained data enabled them to determine the densities of the particle and ideal coating materials to strengthen the surface of the polymer, enabling robust window alternatives. Further, this research can lead to the development of scratch-resistant, spray-on coatings for several applications from cell phones to cars. It could also create a change in the present usage of PMMA, including windows utilized in aquarium tanks.
Source: http://web.mit.edu/