Hybrid sol–gel coating agents based on zirconium(IV) propoxide and epoxysilane

The hybrid sol–gel was synthesized as a basis for preparing coatings for use as anticorrosion and antibacterial protectants of medical implants. Coatings were prepared using (3-glycidyloxypropyl)trimethoxysilane and zirconium(IV) propoxide as precursors, with acetic acid as a catalyst. The synthesis was followed using in situ Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Specific steps of the synthesis were followed by 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The reactions of zirconium(IV) propoxide and (3-glycidyloxypropyl)trimethoxysilane with acetic acid differed; acetate was formed only in the reaction between zirconium(IV) propoxide and acetic acid. The reaction of the opening of the epoxy ring of GPTMS was followed, during both synthesis and curing, at room temperature and at 150 °C. The opening of epoxy ring was catalysed thermally. The thermal stability of the prepared sol was determined by thermogravimetric analysis.