Synergetic Design of Transparent Topcoats on ITO-Coated Plastic Substrate to Boost Surface Erosion Performance

Abstract

Transparent conductive films (TCFs) have received much research attention in the area of aeronautical canopies. However, bad wear, corrosion resistance and weak erosion performance of TCFs dramatically limit their scalable application in the next-generation aeronautical and optoelectronic devices. To address these drawbacks, three types of optically transparent coatings, including acrylic, silicone and polyurethane (PU) coatings were developed and comparatively investigated ex situ in terms of Taber abrasion, nanoindentation and sand erosion tests to improve the wear-resistance and sand erosion abilities of ITO-coated PMMA substrates. To elucidate the sand erosion failure of the coatings, the nanoindentation technique was employed for quantitative assessment of the shape recovery abilities under probe indentation. Results show that the PU topcoats can greatly enhance the sand erosion properties, which were superior to those of acrylic and silicone topcoats. This result can be attributed to the good toughness and self-healing properties of PU topcoats. Additionally, high hardness and good Taber abrasion properties of the ITO films and silicone topcoats did not have an obvious or affirmatory effect on the sand erosion abilities, based on their brittleness and irreparable properties under sand erosion.

Mechanical Properties of Tensile Cracking in Indium Tin Oxide Films on Polycarbonate Substrates

“…PC has important application prospects and values which will become one of the main application materials of aeronautical transparencies [8]. ITO films deposited on the PC surface are an important method to achieve radar stealth [9], and its mechanical durability is a primary issue at present. The PC-ITO is subjected to tensile, bending and other external stress in the course of use, resulting in cracking or interfacial delamination of the ITO film, which may affect the mechanical integrity and optical/electrical properties, thus affecting the function of the device.…”

Thermal shock resistance and enhanced adhesion of ITO film on organic substrate through introducing a transparent SiO2-PMMA buffer layer

“…Transparent conductive films (TCFs), as essential components, are extensively used as transparent electrodes for flexible optoelectronic devices [1][2][3] (e.g., organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs)、liquid crystal displays (LCDs)、organic photovoltaics (OPVs)) and electromagnetic shielding layers for stealth aircraft [4][5][6] (e.g., aircraft cockpit transparent parts). Among them, indium tin oxide (ITO) film exhibits the high transmittance in the visible、low resistivity、strong microwave attenuation properties、 good mechanical properties and chemical stability, making it the most commonly used TCF material.…”