Polyurethane/Poly(2-chloro-5-methoxyaniline) and carbon nano-onion-based nanocomposite: physical properties and anti-corrosion behavior

Abstract

This study reports on novel polyurethane/poly(2-chloro-5-methoxyaniline) (PU/PCMANI) blend and nanocomposite system for corrosion protection. Polyurethane was designed using epoxy functionalized hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene and isophorone diisocyanate. Poly(2-chloro-5-methoxyaniline) was produced in-situ using chloro-5-methoxyaniline and ammonium persulfate. Non-functional (CNO) and acid functional carbon nano-onion (F-CNO) were opted as nanofiller. Morphology analyses depicted small spherical nanoparticle uniformly dispersed in matrix. Thermal stability of PU/PCMANI/F-CNO 1-4 nanocomposite was significantly enhanced with nanofiller loading compared with PU/PCMANI/CNO 1-4. Maximum thermal stability was observed with 1wt.% F-CNO content i.e. initial weight loss (T0), 10 % degradation temperature (T10), and maximum decomposition temperature (Tmax) of 501, 555, and 633 ºC, were attained. The electrical conductivity of PU/PCMANI/F-CNO 1-4 system (10-2-1.3 Scm-1) was superior compared with PU/PCMANI/CNO 1-4 (1.1-2.3 Scm-1). Finally, corrosion protection effect of blend and nanocomposite was explored. The PU/PCMANI/F-CNO 4 with higher functional nanofiller content was found superior compared with neat PU/PCMANI blend and non-functional system.