Study of a Nano-SiO2 Microsphere-Modified Basalt Flake Epoxy Resin Coating

Lida Luo,Weizhong Jiang,Qian Ma,Qingwei Wang,Linfeng Ding,Ziyan Gong

doi:10.3390/coatings9030154

Abstract

Basalt flakes (BFs) have been widely used in recent years as a novel anticorrosion material in the marine industry to prevent the corrosion of metal substrates. In this study, BFs were modified with 1–7‰ nano-SiO2 microspheres, and a modified BF epoxy coating was successfully prepared. Experimental results showed that the BF epoxy resin coating modified with 3‰ nano-SiO2 microspheres exhibited excellent chemical durability (surface weight loss rate of 2.2% in the alkali solution and only 1.1% in the acid solution at room temperature after 480 h), low water infiltration (water absorption of 0.72% after 480 h), and good mechanical performance (tensile strength of approximately 33.4 MPa). This study proves the feasibility of using nano-SiO2 microspheres to modify BF epoxy resin coating and enhance the chemical durability and mechanical properties provided by the coating.

Highlights

The marine industry has played a vital role in global economic integration and continues to develop rapidly, promoting the wide utilization of metals due to their excellent mechanical properties and durability [1]
Each sample was measured five times by the Mettler Toledo AL204 balance (Shanghai, China) at room temperature, and the results reported are the average values
The amount of nano-SiO2 on the surface of the Basalt flakes (BFs) increased with increasing content of nano-SiO2 microspheres

Summary

Introduction

The marine industry has played a vital role in global economic integration and continues to develop rapidly, promoting the wide utilization of metals due to their excellent mechanical properties and durability [1]. Coating techniques that have advantages of easier operation, lower cost, and better protection have been widely applied in order to prolong the life of metals in the marine environment. The corrosion resistance of a coating can be further enhanced by mixing flakes in the polymeric matrix. Glass flake (GF) coatings were the earliest to be utilized and are the most widely used anticorrosion coatings [3]. They have a strong adhesion to base materials, providing strong resistance to seawater corrosion. GF fillers effectively increase the diffusion pathways of salt water and destructive ions in the coatings, significantly enhancing their anticorrosion properties [4]

Results

Discussion

Conclusion