Abstract: The present invention provides a method for covering a substrate, and includes the following operations: (a) admixing at least four different silane monomers and at least one bi-silane to a first solvent(s) to form a mixture, with the proviso that at least one of the silane monomers or the bi-silane comprises an active group capable of achieving cross-linking to adjacent siloxane polymer chains of the siloxane polymer composition; (b) subjecting the mixture to an acid treatment so that the silane monomers are at least partially hydrolysed, and the hydrolysed silane monomers, the silane monomers and the bi-silane are at least partially polymerized and cross-linked; (c) optionally changing the first solvent to a second solvent; and (d) subjecting the mixture to further cross-linking of the siloxane polymer to achieve a predetermined degree of cross-linking, depositing the siloxane polymer composition on the substrate, and optionally curing the deposited siloxane polymer composition.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for covering a substrate, and includes the following operations: (a) admixing at least four different silane monomers and at least one bi-silane to a first solvent(s) to form a mixture, with the proviso that at least one of the silane monomers or the bi-silane comprises an active group capable of achieving cross-linking to adjacent siloxane polymer chains of the siloxane polymer composition; (b) subjecting the mixture to an acid treatment so that the silane monomers are at least partially hydrolysed, and the hydrolysed silane monomers, the silane monomers and the bi-silane are at least partially polymerized and cross-linked; (c) optionally changing the first solvent to a second solvent; and (d) subjecting the mixture to further cross-linking of the siloxane polymer to achieve a predetermined degree of cross-linking, depositing the siloxane polymer composition on the substrate, and optionally curing the deposited siloxane polymer composition.

Abstract: A computer or personal communication device or a similar device, comprising a CPU; and a display; wherein the display comprises; an array of optical elements; a touch sensor; and a glass cover having a coating that is oleophobic. The coating of the glass is a polymer having silicon, oxygen and carbon in the backbone. Optionally it may comprise fluorine. The coating has a water contact angle of 65 or more, an oil contact angle of 20 degrees or more, and a pencil hardness of 7H or more. Thus, the coating combines properties of hydro-and oleophobicity and hardness.

Abstract: A method of passivating a silicon substrate for use in a photovoltaic device, comprising providing a silicon substrate having a bulk and exhibiting a front surface and a rear surface, and forming by liquid phase application a dielectric layer on at least said rear surface. The dielectric layer formed at the rear surface is capable of acting as a reflector to enhance reflection of light into the bulk of the silicon substrate, and the dielectric layer is capable of releasing hydrogen into the bulk as well as onto a surface of the silicon substrate in order to provide hydrogenation and passivation. The present invention provides an inexpensive, low cost method of improving the electrical and/or optical performance of photovoltaic devices through the application of coating chemicals onto the backside of the silicon substrate.