| Abstract: | Hybrid systems based on 3-trimethoxysilyl propyl methacrylate, tetramethylorthosilicate, and methyl methacrylate were developed for moisture protection and strengthening of glass objects. The hydrophobic behavior of the hybrid was obtained by adding different fluorinated precursors to the hybrid solution. Experimental results show that among different fluorinated percursors, 1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorooctyl trichlorosilane gives the best results, increasing the water contact angle up to 100° and decreasing the free surface energy. Coated glasses exhibit higher strength (more than 50%) than uncoated glasses. The strengthening was interpreted in terms of a healing mechanism. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 65: 2387–2393, 1997 |
