Robust alkyd/exfoliated graphene oxide nanocomposite as surface coating
In a new work, researchers developed a novel robust alkyd/exfoliated graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets composite coating via solution casting.
Design of advanced nanostructured coatings with ecofriendly character and highly branched structure has been given a particular attention. Alkyd matrix with hyperbranched moiety was developed via polyesterification of sunflower oil and polyester. Hyperbranched polyester was facilely synthesised via A2 and B3 technique. Exfoliated GO with 0.5–2 nm sheet thickness was successfully prepared using a modified Hummer’s technique. Alkyd/GO composite paint was dried using auto-oxidative drying. Designing alkyd/exfoliated GO sheets with superior physico-mechanical properties exhibit high levels of durability and corrosion resistance for coating application.
Reinforcement of mechanical and anti-corrosive properties
The influences of dispersing various GO nanosheet percentages in the synthesised alkyd were studied. Water contact angle measurements were used to assess the surface properties, while the salt spray test in 5 % NaCl was performed to investigate the corrosion protection characteristics. The robustness of nanocoatings were investigated mechanically using impact, bending, crosshatch and abrasion experiments and thermally using the thermal gravimetric analysis. Well dispersed exfoliated GO nanofillers up to 0.5 wt. % achieved compatibility and superiority in reinforcing the mechanical and anti-corrosive properties of alkyd nanocoatings. The modeled coatings possess numerous advantages, such as simple preparation, cost-savings, ecofriendly construction, robustness, and durability.
The study was published in: Progress in Organic Coatings Volume 126, January 2019, Pages 106-118.
