Facile synthesis of epoxy nanocomposite coatings using inorganic nanoparticles for enhanced thermo-mechanical properties: a comparative study

Epoxy-based nanocomposite coatings were formulated by incorporating various types of inorganic nanoparticles (NPs) (ZrO2, ZnO, Fe2O3, and SiO2). The effect of the incorporation of various NPs on the mechanical, thermal, and morphological properties of these epoxy coatings has been studied. A facile direct incorporation technique has been utilized for the dispersion of the NPs in the epoxy matrix via highspeed mechanical stirring and ultra-sonication using acetone as a solvent. The incorporation of these NPs augmented the mechanical and thermal properties of the epoxy coatings. The results revealed that the incorporation of small amount of these NPs improved the mechanical properties of the coating in all cases, with the SiO2-reinforced sample being relatively better in both mechanical and thermal properties. The incorporation of Fe2O3 and ZnO resulted in a decrease in the thermal stability and glass transition temperature (T-g) of the coatings, while incorporation of SiO2 and ZrO2 increased the thermal stability as well as T-g of the coatings. A notable increase of 71% in hardness together with 26% increase in the elastic modulus of the epoxy coating was observed with the incorporation of 2 wt% SiO2 NPs.