Process for Preparing an Optically Clear Superhydrophobic Coating Solution
AssigneeLotus Leaf Coatings, Inc.
InventorDavid J. Kissel
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Abstract
Optically clear hydrophobic and superhydrophobic coatings and solutions and methods for preparing them. Branched polysilicate structures having surface hydroxyl groups are formed by at least partially hydrolyzing an alkoxy silane precursor via water and an acid catalyst in a solvent, and catalyzing the hydrolysis product with a base to form a gel. The structures are dispersed to form a colloidal suspension, and then hydrophilic hydroxyl groups on the structures are reacted with a silylating agent and replaced with hydrophobic and/or oleophobic ligands. Additional solvent may be added to form a coating which is optically clear.
Claims21
A method of producing a hydrophobic or superhydrophobic solution, the method comprising:
- forming branched polysilicate structures, the polysilicate structures comprising surface hydroxyl groups;
- dispersing the branched polysilicate structures, thereby forming a colloidal suspension;
- and
- reacting a silylating agent with the hydroxyl groups.
A superhydrophobic solution comprising branched polysilicate structures comprising hydrophobic ligands.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.