Synthesis and Application of Hydrophilic Polyacrylate/ <scp> SiO ₂ </scp> Nanocomposite Coatings

ABSTRACT Hydrophilic coatings have found unique applications, such as anti‐fogging and biofouling resistance. This work presents a durable organic–inorganic nanocomposite coating combining carboxyl‐containing hydrophilic polyacrylate with epoxy‐functionalized silica (E‐SiO 2 ). The polyacrylate was synthesized via free radical copolymerization, and E‐SiO 2 was prepared through a sol–gel process. Cross‐linking between the polyacrylate's carboxyl groups and silica's epoxy groups, confirmed by FTIR analysis, enhanced the coating's durability, anti‐fogging performance, and biofouling resistance. The coating maintained transparency after 100 h of UV exposure and anti‐fogging performance after 60 days of water immersion. It exhibited a hardness of 1H, a wear‐through rate above 1300 rpm, and a maximum adhesion grade of 0. Superior anti‐fogging performance was confirmed under fog generation (60°C) and storage at −20°C. Biofouling resistance was demonstrated with a 99% reduction in fluorescence intensity in protein adsorption tests. This durable, high‐performance coating is promising for long‐lasting anti‐fogging and biofouling‐resistant applications.