Improving the edge protection of automotive electrocoatings
A study develops a method for the edge coverage improvement of cathodic electrocoatings by silica nanoparticles.
The effect of silica nanoparticles on the rheology of curing process, anti-corrosion performance, edge protection, and morphology are studied.
Significant improvement with 4 wt% nanoparticles
Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) is utilised to investigate the dispersion of nanoparticles in the coating matrix. The anti-corrosion performance is studied by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and salt spray tests. Rheometric mechanical spectrometer (RMS) and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) are used to investigate the rheology of the curing process and curing behavior of the coatings respectively. Minimum melt viscosity has increased significantly in the presence of the 4 wt% nanoparticles. Results show significant improvement of edge coverage in presence of the 4 wt% nanoparticles.
The study is published in: Surface and Coatings Technology, Volume 317, 15 May 2017, Pages 134–147
