Six-layer antireflection TiO2/SiO2 coatings for solar covers: role of Triton and PDMS additives

This manuscript aims to investigate the effect of Triton (TX-100) and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) on six-layer TiO2/SiO2 coatings. In this study, the sol–gel method was employed to prepare titania and silica sols. In order to obtain a multi-layer antireflective coating on glass, two additive materials were used for identifying the best way to produce the antireflective and durability coatings. The coatings prepared in this work were characterized using field-emission scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, UV–visible spectrophotometer and contact angle measurement. Both of multi-layer containing PDMS and Triton coatings showed over 98 % transmittance but the PDMS modified six-layer coating was more durable than the Triton modified coating and remained stable after outdoor exposure for 8 months. The addition of PDMS to the sols improved the hydrophobicity of the coatings and prevented the adsorption of humidity. High transmittance and excellent durability make this coating appropriate for solar glasses.