Stuck on Glass: A Review of Polymer and Polymer Nanoparticle Composite Coatings in Glass Technology

Polymers have a vast range of beneficial properties making them desirable coating materials. They are cost‐effective, easy to manufacture, and can be modified for improved properties. Adding an inorganic filler into a polymer coating improves its properties and expands its potential applications. Polymer nanoparticle composite (PNC) coatings possess the qualities of the polymer along with increased versatility and mechanical properties from the inorganic nanoparticle. Polymer and PNC coatings have played an advantageous role in tailoring glass surface properties for a variety of products. They have provided many benefits such as antibacterial and self‐cleaning properties, as well as increased strength. Application of coatings to glass products spans across multiple industries including construction, automotive, pharmaceutical, packaging, and renewable energy. This review will cover common polymers and nanoparticles used for coatings on glass. The structure and properties of these polymers will be reviewed with a short introduction to the general structure of polymers. A brief overview of the mechanisms of adhesion will be followed by the specifics of adhesion between the glass and polymer. Three cost‐efficient coating methods will be detailed with relative advantages and disadvantages. Perspectives on future research and applications will be discussed.