The structure of solution of methyltrimethoxysilane (MTMS), which is used for hard coating for plastic materials through its sol–gel reactions, was investigated by light scattering, atomic force microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction. Although hard films can be formed only after heating the MTMS solution and no significant increase in viscosity can be found at room temperature, colloidal particles were detected in the solution by light scattering immediately after adding the catalyst. Particles with a size comparable to that determined by light scattering were observed by atomic force microscopy. The change induced by the growth of the particles was measured for 4 weeks. The infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction for the solutions changed gradually, which supports the formation and growth of the colloidal particles. These results indicate a very slow reaction of MTMS and structural change in the solution even at room temperature, which can affect successful coating of plastic materials using MTMS.

通过光散射，原子力显微镜，红外光谱和X射线衍射研究了甲基三甲氧基硅烷（MTMS）溶液的结构，该溶液通过溶胶-凝胶反应用于塑料材料的硬涂层。尽管仅在加热MTMS溶液后才能形成硬膜，并且在室温下未发现粘度显着增加，但是在添加催化剂后立即通过光散射在溶液中检测到胶体颗粒。通过原子力显微镜观察到具有与通过光散射确定的尺寸相当的尺寸的颗粒。在4周内测量由颗粒生长引起的变化。溶液的红外光谱和X射线衍射逐渐变化，这支持了胶体颗粒的形成和生长。