Sialon and Alumina Modified UV-Curable Coatings with Improved Mechanical Properties and Hydrophobicity

Mariola Robakowska,Hubert Gojzewski,Łukasz Gierz

doi:10.3390/coatings11111424

Mariola Robakowska, Hubert Gojzewski + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings11111424

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Journal: Coatings	Publication Date: Nov 22, 2021
Citations: 1	License type: CC BY 4.0

Affiliation: Poznań University of Technology

Abstract

This article describes the modification of UV-curable coatings with silicon aluminum oxynitride (Sialon) and aluminum oxide (Alu C), which improve the hydrophobicity of the coating surface and the scratch hardness. The contact angle is greater due to surface roughness being enhanced with inorganic fillers. Improved scratch resistance results from the formation of a sliding layer triggered by the diffusion of Sialon or alumina on the coating surface. One can observed an increase in the surface hydrophobicity as well as in the scratch hardness (up to 100%) when small amounts (5 wt.%) of the inorganic compounds are added. Imaging microscopies, i.e., SEM, OM, and AFM (with nanoscopic Young’s modulus determination), revealed the good distribution of both types of fillers in the studied matrix.

Highlights

Photopolymerization is a technique that is used in various branches of industry [1,2,3,4,5,6,7]
The polymerization of multifunctional monomers proceeds according to a general scheme of radical polymerization
The polymerization of the multifunctional monomer is influenced by many factors, both chemical and physical, and these factors influence the initiation rate of the radicals, macroradicals, and monomer diffusion

Summary

Introduction

Photopolymerization (photochemically initiated polymerization) is a technique that is used in various branches of industry (microelectronics, optoelectronics, dentistry, medicine, 3D printing, nail varnishes, adhesives, and protective coatings) [1,2,3,4,5,6,7]. It enables polymerization to occur at room temperature within a very short amount of time. It only takes a few seconds or a few minutes to finish a product [8,9,10,11,12]. The photopolymerization technique allows products of various shapes (the process takes place only in areas exposed to light) to be created using compositions that do not contain any volatile solvents, while the energy consumption is low, and the process is highly controllable [7]. The reaction takes place only during exposure to light (when the source of light is turned off, the initiation is interrupted) [17]

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