Achieving non-destructive transparent long-term surface protection of Nuo mask via fabricating organic-inorganic hybrid materials

Hydrophobic Nuo mask is desired. Here, on the surfaces of Nuo masks, the prepared organic-inorganic hybrid coatings have good optical transmittance, insignificant chrominance change (ΔE), high water contact angle (WCA), good non-stick property and strong ultraviolet (UV) resistance. Poly(methyl methacrylate-methacryloxypropyl trimethoxysilane) (PMMA-co-PMPS) and silica particles were used. Large silica particles lead to large surface roughness and ΔE for coating. Surface modification by hybrid coating enhances UV resistance. The optimal coating contains 2 wt% of silica with a size of ∼80 nm. The micro-nano level rough structure was obtained on the surface of optimal coating modified mask (ΔE = 1.9±0.2). This surface has a WCA of 108.6±2.1° and non-stick trait. After 24 h of UV exposure, the ΔE of this surface becomes 1.2±0.1 and WCA becomes 100.2±1.4°. This work enables a facile preparation of hydrophobic coatings on mask surfaces with undamaged, transparent and long-lasting traits.