Effect of precursors on the anti-corrosion property of silica encapsulated waterborne aluminium pigments

Abstract

PurposeThis paper aims to evaluate the effect of precursors on the anticorrosion property of silica encapsulated waterborne aluminium pigments (WBAPs).Design/methodology/approachThe silica encapsulated WBAPs were prepared using different siloxanes as precursors. The anchorage and compactness of silica films on aluminium flakes were characterized by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and N2 adsorption-desorption. The anticorrosion property and glossiness of WBAPs were evaluated.FindingsThe effect of precursors on anticorrosion property of silica encapsulated WBAPs is reflected from the anchorage and the compactness of silica on aluminium flakes surface. Furthermore, the structure of γ-aminopropyl triethoxysilane benefits the anchorage and the compatibility between pigment and acrylic resin. Neither high nor low ratio of tetraethoxysilane/γ-aminopropyl triethoxysilane is favourable to the anchorage and formation of dense silica film on the aluminium flakes surface. To obtain perfect WBAP, the precursors of silica must be carefully selected.Research limitations/implicationsOnly four kinds of precursors were used in this work; other precursors could also be studied.Practical implicationsThe investigation results provide theoretical basis to obtain excellent WBAPs.Originality/valueThe method to investigate anticorrosion property of WBAPs that is based on the effect of precursors on the performance of silica was novel.