Effects of refractive index modifiers and UV light on an epoxyfunctional inorganic–organic hybrid sol–gel derived thin film system

Thin film systems consisting of (3-glycidyloxypropyl)trimethoxysilane (GDPTMS), dimethyldimethoxysilane (DMDMOS) and, either zirconium(IV) n-propoxide (Zr(OPrn)4) or diphenyldimethoxysilane (DPDMS) were synthesised via the sol–gel method. GDPTMS and DMDMOS were employed as the main network formers, whereas Zr(OPrn)4 or DPDMS was both a network former and a refractive index modifier. The comparative effects of Zr and DPDMS content, and UV light on the optical and thermal properties of the system were evaluated. Refractive index measurements and cross-sectional scanning electron microscopy of the resultant thin films were performed. The thermal stability of each system, in terms of temperature at 10% mass loss, was characterised by dynamic thermogravimetry. It was demonstrated that the selection of refractive index modifier along with UV irradiation plays an important role in tuning the optical and thermal properties of an epoxy-functional inorganic-organic hybrid sol–gel derived thin film system.