Abstract

HypothesisWetting characteristics of epoxy and phenolic resins on metals depend on the molecular interactions between resins’ functional groups and metal surface. Those interactions affect the practical adhesion strength of epoxy-phenolic coatings on metals. Estimation of the theoretical adhesion energies can reveal this system’s microscopic adhesion mechanisms. ExperimentsAdhesion is estimated theoretically based on resins’ wettability on metals, and experimentally through pull-off adhesion testing of cured coatings. The effect of various functional groups on adhesion is decoupled using epoxy and phenolic resins with different functionalities. To assess the impact of the metal passivation on adhesion, tinplated and tin-free steel substrates are used. Differences in their surface chemical composition and polarity are investigated using XPS. FindingsTheoretical adhesion results reveal a superior adhesion of epoxy compared to phenolic resins. Moreover, epoxy resins having a higher content of epoxide-to-hydroxyl groups show improved theoretical and practical adhesion. The importance of epoxides in driving resins’ initial adhesion on metals is attributed to the formation of direct chemical bonds with active hydrogen on metal surfaces. The adhesion of coatings on tin-free steel is found to be higher than on tinplated steel. This is associated to the increased hydroxyl fraction on tin-free steel surface leading to more hydrogen bonds formation.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.