Enhanced Polymerization and Surface Hardness of Colloidal Siloxane Films via Electron Beam Irradiation

Abstract

Electron beam (EB) curing is a foldable hard coating process and has attracted significant research attention in the field of flexible electronic devices. In this study, we report a method for enhancing material surface hardness with low-energy EB curing in a short time. The low-energy EB improved the coating hardness of films by inducing cross-linking polymerization of the silicon-containing monomer. The hardness of the cured coating layer was measured as 3 H using a pencil hardness tester, and the transparency of the coating was higher than 90%. Owing to a series of cross-linking reactions between Si–O–C and Si–OH groups under EB curing and the formation of Si–Si bonds, the cured layer exhibited remarkable durability in the 100000-flexible cycle test. Additionally, the natural oxidation of the C–O groups on the surface of the coating formed carboxyl groups that improved the hydrophilic properties of the coating layer. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to propose that the hardness of polyethylene terephthalate films can be improved using low-energy EBs to rapidly cure silicon-containing coatings. Our results provide a novel and commercially viable approach for improving the hardness of touch screens and foldable displays.

Modification of silicon-polyurethane-based sol–gel coatings through diverse plasma technologies: investigation of impact on surface properties

“…The N was detected in trace amount on the surface of reference, GA, and JET samples (Table 2), while after treatment by DCSBD, the nitrogen concentration slightly increased similarly as documented in related works. [22][23][24] To elucidate the nature of the changes in the chemical bonding on the surface after treatment, we thoroughly analysed the C 1s and Si 2p region of XPS spectra presented in Fig. 3.…”

“…The N was detected in trace amount on the surface of reference, GA, and JET samples (Table 2), while after treatment by DCSBD, the nitrogen concentration slightly increased similarly as documented in related works. 22–24…”

Research Progress of Wood Cell Wall Modification and Functional Improvement: A Review

“…The relevant modification methods also include furfurylation, thermosetting resin impregnation, etc. [57], and electron beam radiation (such as ultraviolet light) which is used to solidify substances that enter the cell walls [58]. Using tartaric acid as a catalyst, Hadi et al impregnated furfuryl alcohol solution into cell walls of wood to improve the bioresistance.…”

“Room Temperature Molten Salt”-Based Polymer Electrolyte Enabling a High-Rate and High-Thermal Stability Hybrid Li/Na-Ion Battery

“…The polymerization process was rapidly completed via electron beam (EB) irradiation. The high-energy electron beam irradiating from the irradiation accelerator interacts with substances to ionize and excite the molecules, thereby initiating the polymerization. , Compared with ultraviolet (UV) irradiation–polymerization that requires photoinitiators, EB polymerization can cross-link faster without any initiator …”

“…11,12 ultraviolet (UV) irradiation−polymerization that requires photoinitiators, EB polymerization can cross-link faster without any initiator. 13 In our work, RTMS-based polymer electrolyte (RPE) was created by combining RTMS with a methacrylic polymer, in which the water molecules are immobilized and stabilized by the hydrophilic groups to reduce the water activity. The flexible polymer electrolyte initiated by EB irradiation (e-RPE) shows a high ion conductivity of 4.1 mS•cm −1 and a wide electrochemical window of ∼3.1 V at room temperature.…”