Silicone functionalized pigment to enhance coating performance

The present study reports chemical treatment of pigment titanium dioxide (TiO2) with silicone to give surface functionalized TiO2. The surface functionalization was confirmed by Fourier Transform Infra Red Spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy, Transition Electron Microscopy and Dynamic Light Scattering analysis. Coatings were formulated by incorporation of these functionalized TiO2 into the epoxy polymer matrix and compared for coating properties with untreated TiO2. The effect of the functionalized TiO2 on various coating properties with respect to physico-mechanical properties, anticorrosion efficiencies, UV resistance and chemical resistance was studied in detail. The results revealed remarkable enhancement of coating properties with functionalized TiO2 when compared with the coatings formulated with untreated TiO2.

► Functionalization of TiO2 pigment with silicone results in only primary particles.
► Functionalized TiO2 improves the dispersibility and enhanced hydrophobicity.
► Functionalized TiO2 based epoxy paint exhibited improved mechanical properties.
► Improvement also observed in anti-corrosive properties and weatherability.