A coating system integrating three distinct chemistries was developed to protect materials used in monuments and construction. Initial curing is achieved using a UV-initiated thiol-ene reaction to form a non-impressionable/non-sticky surface. Second, amine/epoxy reactions form a firm surface adhesion and give mechanical strength through consolidation. Third, alkoxysilane sol-gel curing integrates the siloxane network while adding thermal stability, hydrophobicity, and a hardened surface. The final design utilizes a photoacid generator to increase the reaction speed of the second and third curing steps. The coating can be applied by spray, dip, or wipe on methods and exhibits a rapid non-impressionable surface (as fast as 10 min) that resists graffiti and environmental conditions, and is used and stored as a single-component system with a pot life exceeding six months. A series of experiments were used to determine the coating properties and durability, including field testing and accelerated weathering.

The synthesis, characterization, analysis, and effect on solvent uptake of styrene, alcohol, amino, and perfluoro functionalized silsesquioxane-azobenzene hybrid gels are discussed. 4,4’-diallyloxyazobenzene and octa(dimethylsiloxy)silsesquioxane (Q8M8H) gels are generated using hydrosilylation chemistry. These gels were modified through two routes: in-situ and post-synthesis modification, depending on the compatibility of the modifiers. The dynamic gel systems react to visible and UV light to expand and contract, giving them sponge-like properties. The general characteristics of each gel are illustrated through UV-Vis, ATR-FTIR, TGA, NMR, and SEM imaging. Effects on their solvent uptake load and preference for various solvents/pollutants are detailed below, and notable findings include preferences of the styrene material for aromatics, perfluoro for THF, and alcohol for acetone. This is accompanied by a low affinity for water, enabling them to remove organic solvents and particulate from water. We find that selectivity for certain substances can be obtained but at the cost of total absorptivity of the gel systems.

Material testing, particularly in biological applications, can be an extensive endeavor leading to a significant investment of resources. This article details a simple material and coating testing assay series that provides insights into leaching, antibacterial, antifouling, and foul-release characteristics. The results of these methods can guide future research, applications, and development efforts by providing data from which to make informed decisions. A material or coating can be quickly assessed in industrial and academic settings with minimal resources by employing a set of benign, single-species direct-contact toxicity assays and simple spectroscopic and microscopic analysis methods. Herein, we demonstrate how this series of biological assays may be utilized and the potential interpretations of the results by using two-hybrid organo-silicon-based coatings.

The development, analysis, characterization, and solvent preference of photo-responsive hybrid 4,4’-divinylazobenzene and octa(dimethylsiloxy)silsesquioxane (Q8M8H) networks were investigated. The dynamic gel systems are formed through hydrosilylation chemistry and react to visible and UV light to expand and contract, giving them sponge-like properties. Their solvent preference and loading capabilities are analyzed and compared to an analogous system, and general characteristics are illustrated through FTIR, TGA, DMA, and SEM imaging. We find that using a shorter, more rigid azobenzene results in a comparable photo-responsive sponge with a higher initial shrinkage response.