| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 692962 | Progress in Organic Coatings | 2012 | 6 Pages |
In this study, nanosilica of very high specific surface area is used as reinforcing filler for preparing an epoxy-based nanocomposite coating. For appropriate dispersion of nanoparticles in the polymer matrix, ultrasound waves were applied after mechanical mixing. The resulting perfect dispersion of nanosilica particles in epoxy coating revealed by transmission electron microscopy ensured the transparency of the nanocomposite. Nanoindentation was used to determine some mechanical properties such as hardness and elastic modulus. The obtained results show 26 and 21% increases in hardness and elastic modulus, respectively for resin filled with 5% nanosilica compared to neat epoxy. DMA results show that the glass transition temperature of samples is increased with increasing silica nanoparticles. The result of TGA shows significant improvement of the thermal decomposition temperature of epoxy coating containing 5% nanosilica compared to neat epoxy. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs of fractured surfaces show increased roughness with nanosilica addition.
► Mechanical stirring followed by ultrasonication has been applied for dispersion of nanosilica powder in epoxy matrix. ► Perfect dispersion of nanoparticles, confirmed by TEM, resulted in relatively high transparency in nanocomposite film. ► Reinforcement of epoxy resin with silica nanoparticles improves the storage modulus of the coating. ► Optimum addition of nanosilica to epoxy coating increases the elastic modulus and the hardness of the coating. ► Addition of nanosilica particles to epoxy increases the glass transition and the thermal decomposition temperatures.
