LAUSR

Abstract In this study, zirconia antistatic coatings were synthesized by a simple dip coating sol-gel route on glass substrates, then applied to polymer-based composites to potentially improve their dust or water repellent capabilities. The coating solution contained a precursor (ZrCl4), solvent (isopropanol) and coupling agent. FTIR spectra confirmed ZrO2 and ZrO compounds in both solution and antistatic coating. FE-SEM images indicated ZrO2 fibers’ thickness was controlled by changing ZrCl4 concentration (150 g–15 g ZrCl4/l) or relative humidity (20%–60%) during coating drying. Fibers grew thicker when decreasing the former or increasing the latter. The surface electrical resistivity for all samples was in the antistatic range. The optimized coating was derived in 50% humidity from a solution containing 15 g ZrCl4/l. This thin film had a good transparency, uniform microstructure with low porosity, 13.5 nm thickness and 6H hardness. It was applied to carbon fiber/epoxy substrates with two different fiber volume fractions and weave patterns. Contact angle increased by at least 10° between uncoated and coated composite substrates containing 55% fiber volume fraction, making the proposed low cost zirconia coating a promising method to impart hydrophobicity where dust and water repellent properties are needed.