New UV-cured nanocomposite coatings combine fluorine-containing chains and silica networks, offering enhanced wear and corrosion resistance for applications on steel surfaces

.

A recent research presents innovative UV-cured nanocomposite coatings that blend organic-inorganic hybrid materials. These novel coatings (EASFs) are based on a diamino diphenyl sulfone (DDS) structure with fluorine-containing chains and SiO？ networks. The DDS-based material (SFDDS) was transformed into a precursor by adding hydrolyzed tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) and trimethylsiloxy propyl methacrylate (MEMO) via the sol-gel method.

This precursor was incorporated into an epoxy acrylate and 1,6-hexanediol diacrylate resin system, then cured by UV light. The results show significant improvements in thermal, wear, and corrosion resistance. Hydrophobicity and scratch resistance were substantially increased, though adhesion and brightness were slightly compromised. Notably, the coatings demonstrated high corrosion resistance in an air atmosphere but were less resistant in a NaCl environment.

Conclusion

These advanced hybrid nanocomposite coatings offer valuable potential for applications demanding both high corrosion resistance and thermomechanical stability, making them particularly suitable for challenging environments.

Source: Journal of Coatings Technology and Research, Vol. 21, pp 1343–1360, (2024)