Transparent anti-fogging and anti-scratch SiO₂/SiO₂–TiO₂ thin film on polycarbonate substrate

Abstract

In this research, SiO2/SiO2–TiO2 thin films were coated on polycarbonate (PC) slides. Thin films were characterized by FTIR, FE-SEM, UV–vis-NIR spectrophotometer, and water contact angle (WCA) analyzer. To study the photoinduced superhydrophilicity, the prepared thin films were irradiated by UV light in different period of times and then WCA was measured. Besides, the adhesion, hardness, self-cleaning property and antifogging ability of the thin films were examined. The results specified that the creation of the SiO2/SiO2–TiO2 two layers enhanced the hardness and transmittance of the PC slide. Indeed, PC coated SiO2/SiO2–TiO2 two layers displays photoinduced superhydrophilicity (CA, 5° after UV irradiated), and it is very effectual at eliminating fog and dirt overflowing of water drops.