ORMOCERs - new perspectives in the field of hard coatings for automotive glazing

Organically modified ceramics (ORMOCERs) can be synthesized by hydrolysis and cocondensation of mono-organosubstituted silanes, e.g. 3-glycidoxipropyl-trimethoxisilane or 3-methacryloxipropyl-trimethoxisilane, and other alkoxides via sol-gel techniques. The resulting clear sols can be applied by conventional dip-, spray- or spin-coating processes and cured thermally or photochemically to form e.g. hard coatings on transparent plastics. Structural aspects and related properties of these materials are discussed in comparison with other hard coatings. Potential future applications are outlined, especially in the automotive industry.