Development of a poly(urethane-malonic-esteramide) coating from corn oil and carbon nanotubes for corrosion resistant applications

Poly(urethane-malonic-esteramide) (PUMEA), a novel resin synthesized from corn oil-based fatty amide, malonic acid, and isophorone diisocynate, was modified by introducing different amounts of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) into the polymer matrix and cured at room temperature. The chemical structure and surface morphology were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance, and field emission scanning electron microscopy, and thermal analysis was carried out by thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry. The PUMEA/MWCNTs composites were coated on mild steel panel and cured at room temperature. Hydrophobicity and physico-mechanical properties of the coatings were extracted by measuring contact angle, scratch and pencil hardness, bending, cross-hatch adhesion, impact, and gloss. The corrosion resistance was proved measuring the potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance of a PUMEA-coated mild steel panel immersed in a 3.5 wt% NaCl solution for 40 days. Thermal studies revealed that the PUMEA coating can be safely used up to 250 degrees C.

Automated summary

This study focuses on the modification of PUMEA resin with different amounts of MWCNTs and comprehensive characterization of its properties, including physical properties, corrosion resistance, and thermal performance.