Preparation of polymer/silica hybrid hard coatings with enhanced hydrophobicity on plastic substrates

► In this study we demonstrate an easy method to increase hydrophobicity of the polymer/silica hybrid coating. ► We use a coupling agent and a capping agent to modify nano-sized colloidal silica. ► We find that the prepared hybrid coatings are harder and more abrasion resistant than the pure polymer coating. ► We find that hydrophobicity of the hybrid coating increases considerably as the content of capping agent is increased.