Investigation of water absorption characteristics of nano-gelcoat for marine application

This paper presents moisture diffusion behaviour of nano-gelcoat based on vinylester and Isophthalic polyester. Hydrolysis and influence of nanoclay on moisture diffusion of nano-gelcoats were studied using FTIR and gravimetric analysis. The gravimetric data, infrared spectroscopy and glass transition temperature indicated that addition of 1 wt.% nanoclay improved the moisture barrier, chemical retention and thermal properties of polymers. XRD confirmed dispersion of nanoclay in gelcoats. Hygrothermic behaviour of nano-gelcoat was studied at 30 °C and 50 °C in artificial seawater.