Nanomechanical and Electrochemical Properties of ZnO-Nanoparticle-Filled Epoxy Coatings

Ubair Samad,Hamid Shaikh,Mohammad Alam,Arfat Anis,Saeed Al-Zahrani,Hany Abdo

doi:10.3390/coatings12020282

Ubair Samad, Hamid Shaikh + Show 4 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings12020282

Copy DOI

Abstract

This work focuses on the mechanical, nanomechanical, thermal, and electrochemical properties of epoxy coatings with various percentages of ZnO nanoparticles. The prepared coatings were analyzed after complete curing of 7 days. The dispersion of nanoparticles in the matrix was analyzed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) followed by Fourier-Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) to evaluate the effect of the nanoparticles on curing and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) to evaluate its thermal properties. The electrochemical (anticorrosion) properties of the coatings were analyzed by exposing the prepared coatings to a 3.5% NaCl solution. The obtained results indicated that the addition of the nanoparticles was effective at lower loadings; higher loadings of the nanoparticles led to increased agglomeration because of higher particle–particle interaction. At higher nanoparticle loadings, the curing process was adversely affected, which led to lower curing percentage. The lower degree of curing affected the thermal, mechanical, and electrochemical properties. The increase in nanoparticle loading beyond 2% negatively affected the coating properties.

Highlights

Corrosion is a naturally occurring phenomenon that causes huge economic implications globally, which according to an estimate costs over 3% of the world’s GDP
We focused on the use of ZnO nanoparticles as high as 6 wt.% in the epoxy system to analyze the effect of the nanoparticles on the final properties of the coatings
The FESEM micrographs obtained for the blank epoxy and nanoparticle-reinforced samples are displayed in Figure 1 below

Summary

Introduction

Corrosion is a naturally occurring phenomenon that causes huge economic implications globally, which according to an estimate costs over 3% of the world’s GDP. Among various types of methods, the use of organic coatings is at the center of importance. Organic coatings are the most feasible and important economical method to be used for corrosion prevention [2]. Irrespective of their lower thickness, these organic coatings act as a resistance against water and other corrosive species present in the aggressive medium that causes corrosion. These coatings are termed as barrier coatings because they provide barrier against corrosion and protect the metal’s surface

Methods

Results

Conclusion