A self-curing, thermosetting resin based on epoxy and organic titanium chelate as an anticorrosive coating matrix for heat exchangers: Preparation and properties

A self-curing, thermosetting resin containing epoxy groups and organic titanium chelate bonds was synthesized by varying the concentrations of bisphenol A epoxy resin (EP) and diisopropoxy-bis ethylacetoacetato titanate (SG). The structural characterizations via Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance confirmed the successful preparation of the self-curing, thermosetting EP-SG resin. The storage stability of the EP-SG resin was determined by measuring the change in viscosity at 50 °C. The curing behavior and thermal stability were assessed via differential scanning calorimetry and thermo-gravimetric analysis. The mechanical properties of the cured coatings were discussed in the context of the corresponding standards. The chemical resistance was tested using an immersion test. Our study revealed that the EP-SG resin has very good storage stability and can be cured via heating without the use of any curing agents. This advantage avoids the issues of non-uniformity, bubbles, and incomplete solubility of the curing agents in the epoxy resins. The resin possesses good thermal resistance, excellent physical and mechanical properties, and good chemical resistance, which makes it suitable for use as a heavy-duty coating for heat exchangers.