Morphology and thermo-mechanical properties of new hybrid coatings based on polyester/melamine resin and pyrogenic silica

Polyester/melamine (PM)-based formulations used in coil-coating applications were modified with pyrogenic silicas of different types. The influence of the chemical modification of the silica surface on various properties was investigated. The viscosity of filled PM formulations was measured. Transmission electron microscopy and dynamic mechanical measurements were used to characterize nanocomposite films. Roughness and gloss measurements were done on nanocomposite coatings. The results show that the viscosity and morphology observed are directly linked to the balance and nature of the interactions developed between the silica surface and the organic medium. Both hydrophilic and hydrophobic silica lead to too high viscosity of the filled formulation, to different silica dispersion and, as a consequence, to low gloss coatings. However with an adequate organo-modification of the silica, formulations compatible with the process and having a high gloss can be obtained. Additionally, the surface modification of silica has no obvious influence on the dynamic mechanical properties.