| abstract |
A method for providing a flexible hardcoat on a substrate includes the use of a dual cure silane possessing a UV curable group and a thermally curable silane group. The dual cure silane hydrolyzed and a portion of the silanol groups are condensed with silica to provide a fluid coating composition which is then applied to a substrate. A first cure with UV radiation causes the coating to harden into a flexible hardcoat which permits the substrate to be thermoformed or embossed without damage to the coating. The substrate is then heated to thermally cure the hardcoat to provide a fully cured hard and abrasion resistant hardcoat. |