Self-stratifying coatings based on Schiff base epoxy resins

Schiff base epoxy resin was used as a component of self-stratifying compositions, in which different acrylic resins were used. The degree of stratification was determined using the ATR FTIR spectroscopy and microscopy technique. Results were compared with those for commercial epoxy resins with a comparable epoxy number. A determination was made of the mechanical properties of the coatings obtained. Based on the previous studies, it was concluded that Schiff base epoxy resin in a film-forming composition behaves in a similar manner to BPA-based epoxy resins. The best mechanical properties and a high degree of stratification were achieved using a Schiff base epoxy resin/poly(isobutyl methacrylate) composition. Use of a self-stratifying composition not only reduces the time and cost of preparing a multilayer coating system, thanks to the formation of two layers in one application, but also causes the Schiff based epoxy coatings to become more flexible.