Chapter 14 - Thermal properties of nanoscale polymer-based coatings

Abstract

Nanostructured materials in surface coatings can improve the target materials' electrical, mechanical, decomposing, and wear-resistant qualities. Surface coating technology could be used in various disciplines, including energy, antireflective, anti-wear, self-healing and self-cleaning coatings, biological applications, and superhydrophobic coatings. Surface coating technology is mostly used to boost the antireflective qualities of solar cell panels. Coating materials mostly include carbides, oxides, borides, and nitrides. However, when cost and processing techniques are taken into account the polymer coating is found to be more advantageous than other methods. Because of the requirements for lightweight, high strength, corrosion resistance, and cost-efficiency, polymer-based nanomaterial surface coatings are recommended. However, the thermal characteristics of polymer surface coatings must be considered in all applications to assure functionality. This chapter discusses the origins of surface coatings, the polymers used in surface coatings, and the evolution of surface coatings dependent on the end-use application. This chapter focuses primarily on the thermal characteristics, heat resistance, corrosion resistance, and fire resistance of polymer surface coatings, which are critical for understanding and creating polymers and polymer nanocomposites.