Abstract: An improved silane/silica sol copolymer hardcoating composition for protecting optical plastic substrates from scratching is able to be manufactured at lower costs and to provide much-improved ease of use in transportation, storage, dipbath stability, and blush resistance in ordinary cleanroom atmospheres. The silane/silica sol copolymer is formed as a direct reaction product of an acidic silica sol and an monomethyl trialkoxy silane, preferably substantially monomethyltriethoxysilane, in ratios of 30:70 to 70:30, most preferably about 40:60. A tail solvent aids blush resistance and adhesion to unprimed polycarbonate. Optionally, colloidal silica sol dissolved in water-miscible solvent may be reacted in a second stage with acidic aqueous colloidal silica sol earlier silanized with monomethyl trialkoxy silane.

Abstract: A method for coating a plastic lens element including applying a coating composition consisting substantially of reactants having at least triacrylate functionality, a photo-initiator and a polymerization inhibitor reactive with oxygen to the face of a mold. The coating is subjected to ultraviolet light in an oxygen containing environment such that a hard abrasion-resistant coating is formed. The mold is then filled with a lens forming composition which is reactive with acrylate groups of the coating at the coating/lens interface. The lens forming composition is permitted to cure in the mold with the lens forming composition being bonded to the lens coating.