Robust UV-Curable Dual-Cross-Linked Coating with Increased Transparency, Long-Term Antifogging, and Efficient Antibacterial Performances

Antifogging coatings are urgently needed in daily life. However, current research efforts seldom focus on enhancing the mechanical wear resistance of coatings or investigating their antifogging properties under wet and dry conditions. Herein, a robust dual-cross-linked polymeric antifogging coating was developed through the UV curing of poly[(methacryloxyethyl)dimethylheptylammonium bromide-acrylic acid] (pMDHAB-AA) and poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA). Taking advantage of the dual-cross-linked structure and the delicate balance of hydrophilic-hydrophobic components in pMDHAB-AA, the coating presented durable antifogging performances, including long-time antifogging in hot vapor and numerous antifogging in an alternation of wetting and drying and robust mechanical wear resistance. In addition, based on the hygroscopic nature of the quaternary ammonium groups, the coating was endowed with oleophobicity underwater, an ultralow friction coefficient, and antibacterial and resistance-to-bacterial-adhesion performances. More importantly, the antifogging coating plays a crucial role in enhancing substrate transparency by reducing the diffuse reflection. This prepared material addresses current concerns related to antifogging coatings and holds significant potential for applications in various fields, including optical glass, medical devices, agricultural films, etc.