Improvement of mechanical properties and electrical conductivity of polythiourethane-modified epoxy coatings filled with aluminium powder

Electrically conductive epoxy-polythiourethane aluminium-filled composites have been developed and characterized. The influence of aluminium loading levels on electrical and mechanical properties was explored. The distribution of the conductive filler and morphology of epoxy matrix were studied by SEM and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX). Microscopy observation provided useful information for understanding the conductivity behaviour and mechanical properties of the conductive epoxy coatings. The strength of adhesion of the filled resins to metal substrates was also determined. Impact strength measurements and adhesion tests demonstrated that curing conditions significantly affect the properties of epoxy-polythiourethane composites. The experimental results showed that polythiourethane hardener greatly enhances most of these properties in comparison to standard epoxy formulations with amine hardeners.