Alkyd‐clay nanocomposites for improved anticorrosion and mechanical performance of coating

Abstract

Exfoliated nanoclays in polymers are a class of inorganic composite which provides reinforcement along with barrier properties to polymer films owning to their high aspect ratios. Despite of having good adhesion to the substrate, alkyd polymers generally shows poor performance in corrosion resistance. Herein, we have explored the role of exfoliated organo‐modified montmorillonite (O‐MMT) clays in alkyd resins for improved barrier and mechanical properties. The exfoliation of nanoclay in alkyd polymer was performed in two steps—first intercalation of long chain amine in Na‐montmorillonite via ion exchange and secondly, their subsequent exfoliation in polymer by applying high shear and ultrasonication. O‐MMT clays and their composites were thoroughly characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR), Thermogravimetric analysis and X‐ray diffraction analysis. Paint was formulated using polymer clay composite for evaluation of their performance in real coating formulation. Anticorrosion performance of coating is assessed by salt spray analysis whereas dynamic mechanical analysis and universal testing machine analysis carry out to measure the mechanical strength of coating. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:2922–2931, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers