Synthesis of novel UV-curable difunctional thiourethane methacrylate and studies on organic–inorganic nanocomposite hard coatings for high refractive index plastic lenses

This study relates to the development of ultraviolet (UV)-curable, organic–inorganic nanocomposite hard coatings for plastic lens substrates, especially for polythiourethane (PTU) and polycarbonate (PC). Novel difunctional thiourethane methacrylate (mercaptoethylsulfide-thiourethane methacrylate: coded MES-TUMA and isophorone diisocyanate-mercaptoethylsulfide-thiourethane methacrylate: coded IPDI-MES-TUMA) was synthesized to enhance the adhesive strength for PTU. On the basis of IR, 1H NMR, electron spray ionisation-mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) analysis and gel permeation chromatography (GPC), the expected structures were confirmed. These difunctional thiourethane methacrylates were easily mixed with multifunctional urethane acrylate, surface-modified ZrO2–TiO2 nanoparticles and photoinitiator in coating formulations. The UV-cured organic–inorganic nanocomposites were very useful as hard coatings for high refractive index plastic lenses such as PTU and PC.