Constructing stable transparent hydrophobic POSS@epoxy-group coatings for waterproofing protection of decorative-painting surfaces

Fabrication of waterproof decorative paintings has attracted a great deal of interest. In this work, in situ reaction using poly(glycidyl methacrylate) (PGMA) and polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane with amino group at end (amino-POSS) was utilized to fabricate coatings at surfaces of papery/cloth decorative paintings via spray, which endowed the decorative paintings with excellent hydrophobicity, transparency, and weather ability. Firstly, ring opening of epoxy groups in PGMA, cross-linking structure in coatings, and strong coating/painting interface adhesion were achieved. Then, surface morphology of coatings was observed, and high surface roughness was confirmed. Next, high transparency and thermal stability of coatings were confirmed. Finally, surface water-contact-angles (WCAs) of coatings with various substrates were tested as a function of POSS content. Weathering resistances of coating surface on cloth substrate were studied. Coatings exhibit excellent properties such as high light transmittance (over 80%), high glass-transition temperature (upper limit ~ 113 ℃), high hydrophobicity (maximum WCA ~ 149°), and strong weathering resistances (the aged WCAs over 140°). Work innovation lies in simultaneously gained high hydrophobicity, good transparency, and strong weather ability. This work might pave a road for fabricating excellent coatings for protecting decorative paintings.