Polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes as titanium dioxide surface modifiers for transparent acrylic UV blocking hybrid coating

In order to improve dispersability of TiO2 rutile nano-particles in acrylic water based coating, two step surface modification of TiO2 nano-particles was investigated. First, TiO2 nano-particle's surface was modified with Al2O3 and second polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSS) were used in order to improve TiO2 dispersability and to enable higher UV absorption by reduction of nanoparticles agglomeration. Evaluation of physical properties before and after exposed weathering tests of coating samples with surface modified TiO2 rutile nano-particles proved our prediction. The results can be used for further optimization of nano-composites in coating applications for long term UV protection.