UV-resistant, hydrophobic and self-healable polymer containing MOF (PcMOF) composite for multi-functional coating application

In recent years, the development of hydrophobic, UV-resistant, and self-healable polymer/metal organic framework (MOF) composites has attracted considerable scientific interest for advanced coating applications. In this study, a copolymer of glycidyl methacrylate and lauryl methacrylate, P(GMA-co-LMA) (PGL), was synthesized to impart hydrophobicity, mechanical flexibility, and heat-induced self-healing behaviour, while a Ti-based MOF was incorporated to introduce antimicrobial activity and UV-blocking functionality. The resulting polymer-containing MOF (PcMOF) composite demonstrated significantly enhanced multifunctional performance. Notably, the PcMOF exhibited a high water contact angle (WCA) of approximately 120°, indicating strong hydrophobicity, along with nearly zero UV transmittance, confirming excellent UV-shielding capability. Comprehensive characterization of the PcMOF composites was carried out using FTIR, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), UV-Vis spectroscopy, WCA measurements, and antibacterial assays. The PcMOF coating was successfully applied to both cotton fabric and glass substrates, demonstrating effective self-cleaning behaviour, UV resistance, and antibacterial activity. Owing to its combined hydrophobic, UV-protective, self-healing, and antimicrobial properties, the developed PcMOF composite shows potential for high-performance multifunctional coatings.