| abstract |
The present invention relates to an approach for improving the compatibility of antistatic agents and ceramer hardcoats so that such hardcoats can be provided with excellent antistatic characteristics. In particular, it has been discovered that the antistatic agents of this invention can be combined with aqueous sols of surface treated, colloidal inorganic oxide particles having a negative surface charge without destabilizing the negatively charged colloids. It has further been discovered that the combination of the antistatic agent and negatively charged, surface treated colloids of this invention interspersed in a cured ceramer matrix unexpectedly provides dramatic improvements in antistatic protection. The antistatic approach of this invention also provides excellent antistatic protection over a wide range of relative humidity, including conditions in which R.H. is below 40 %, especially at 15 % to 40 % R.H. |