UV-photopolymerization of poly(methyl methacrylate)-based inorganic-organic hybrid coatings and bulk samples reinforced with methacrylate-modified zirconium oxocluster

In this work, we developed and optimised a synthetic route which enables to produce by spray-coating hard, transparent and stable inorganic–organic hybrid coatings for a wide variety of different substrates (e.g. stone, stainless steel, polymethylmethacrylate, polyethylene, wood, anodized aluminum). Chemically and thermally stable acrylate-based hybrid materials embedding the zirconium oxocluster Zr4O2(OMc)12, OMc](CH2]C(CH3)C(O)O) were prepared and UV-cured. The coatings of different compositions on different substrates were characterized by numerous analytical and spectroscopic methods such as FT-IR spectroscopy, Angle Resolved-XPS (AR-XPS), Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (SIMS), X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy (XAS), Environmental Scanning Electron Microscopy (ESEM) and Energy Dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX). Bulk samples were also prepared for additional characterizations. The bulk samples were analysed by FT-IR, whereas the crosslinking degree was qualitatively evaluated by swelling experiments. As far as the mechanical properties are concerned, the shear storage modulus (G0) and loss modulus (G00) were measured by Dynamical Mechanical Thermal Analysis (DMTA) technique. Moreover, the best conditions for the curing and crosslinking processes of the hybrid materials were studied up to 200 C by using Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). The thermal stability of the hybrid samples was evaluated by Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA).