Blocked polyisocyanates containing monofunctional polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) as crosslinking agents for polyurethane powder coatings

Blocked polyisocyanate crosslinkers for powder coatings were synthesized using alicyclic diisocyanates (TMDI and IPDI), formic acid, (methylaminopropyl)hepta(isobutyl)Si8O12 (POSS), ɛ-caprolactam, dibutyltin dilaurate as well as triethylamine as catalysts. The chemical structures of these compounds were characterized by means of IR, 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectroscopy. The three-dimensional surface topography and surface chemical structure of the resulting powder coatings were investigated by using confocal microscope and ATR FT-IR. The values of surface roughness parameters were calculated. The surface topography was correlated with the chemical structure of the coatings and macroscopic surface behaviour: surface free energy, abrasion resistance, hardness, adhesion to the steel surface and impact resistance. Thermogravimetric analysis was employed to assess the hardening property of powder coatings and the thermal decomposition processes.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► A method of the synthesis of blocked polyisocyanates containing monofunctional polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) was proposed. ► Incorporation of the POSS particles to polyurethane powder coatings, resulted in better coating properties. ► An improvement in the thermal stability of POSS modified coatings was observed.