Preparation and properties of multiphase composite enhanced functional organosilicon nano-coatings

Abstract

BackgroundTo improve the inherent stability and environmental compatibility of traditional organosilicon coatings, nano-reinforced composite materials were innovatively designed and synthesized to improve the performance of organosilicon coatings. MethodologyThe silicon dioxide (SiO2) clusters on the surface of graphene oxide (GO) incorporated with calcium carbonate (CaCO3) and dicyclohexylamine nitrite (Dn) nanocomposites (GO@SiO2/CaCO3/Dn) were prepared successfully. Then nanocomposites were integrated into the coating matrix to comprehensively assess their effects on morphology, mechanics, corrosion resistance, and anti-fouling properties. Significant findingsScanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) observations revealed that 4.0 wt.% of the nanocomposite reinforcement led to stratification within the organosilicon coating. The mechanical properties test shows that the hardness, bonding strength, and maximum impact resistance of SiNC2.0 coating is 10.3 HV, 2.8 MPa, and 75 kg·cm, respectively. Electrochemical assessments confirmed that SiNC2.0 displayed superior corrosion resistance, with a corrosion potential (Ecorr) of 0.199 V and a corrosion current density (Icorr) of 7.308 × 10–6 A/cm2. Furthermore, the surface free energy of the nano-coatings is calculated in the range of 20–30 mN/m by contact angle measurement, indicating the anti-fouling and self-cleaning of the organosilicon nano-coatings. Long-term immersion in natural lake water further confirms the stability and durability of the SiNC2.0 coating in real environments.