Superscratch-resistant glass by means of a transparent nanostructured inorganic coating

Silica nanoparticles were synthesized by a reverse microemulsion method and deposited on soda-lime silica substrates. The deposition of these nanoparticles by dip-coating gave rise to close-packed layers, which significantly modify the scratch resistance of the surface. The silica nanoparticles are found to spread out the stress at the surface/indenter contact and to favor microductile behavior.