Surface Characteristics and Electric Conductivity of MWCNTS/Feve Copolymer Composite Coatings

Abstract

To develop new electric and anti-fouling coatings, nine coatings based on FEVE copolymer were prepared respectively with the content of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) (wt %) from 0.01% to 1%. The hydrophobicity and oleophobicity of coatings were respectively evaluated with water and diiodomethane contact angle measurement. Morphology of coatings was observed by Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM). Roughness was measured by 3D Measuring Laser Microscope OLS4000. The electric conductivity of coatings was measured by Steady State Current/Voltage Curves using IM6ex with Coating & Laminate Tester. The results showed that the roughness and electric conductivity of coatings increase with the content of MWCNTs. When the content of MWCNTs increases from 0.01% to 1%, the electric conductivity augments from 3.1×10-10 S/m to 7.2×10-4 S/m. All studied composite coatings is hydrophobic, the water contact angle is all more than 90°. However, the content of MWCNTs does not influence obviously the hydrophobicity of the composite coatings. Compared to FEVE copolymer vanish coating, the diiodomethane contact angle increases obviously, from 60.5° to more than 75°, even more than 90°. While the content of MWCNTs is at 0.2% and 0.4%, the CH2I2 contact angle is respectively up to 96.8° and 97.5°, consequently the composite coatings showed simultaneously hydrophobic and oleophobic abilities.