Perfluoropolyether-based organic-inorganic hybrid coatings

Perfluoropolyether-based organic-inorganic hybrids were prepared by sol-gel process and applied as functional coatings onto glass substrates. Contact angle analysis and X-ray photoemission spectroscopy were carried out in order to characterize the surface of the prepared coatings. A strong hydrophobic and lipophobic character was observed for all tested compositions. The wettability behaviour was found to be dependent on both the coating technique and the reaction time of the sol-gel reaction. A strong surface segregation of perfluoropolyether segments was noted for all the prepared samples as evidenced by XPS analysis. On the basis of the obtained results, these materials could be used as functional coatings to prepare water and oil repellent glasses or other substrates. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.