SiAlON nanoparticles effect on the behaviour of epoxy coating

In this work, the influence of SiAlON nanoparticles loading level (0-12 wt%) was investigated on the mechanical and chemical properties of epoxy resin-based nanocomposites coatings. The samples were characterized by fracture toughness, chemical, pull off, hardness and abrasion tests, followed by scanning electron microscopy of the fracture surfaces and sample surface after performing a chemical test. Nanoparticles were also characterized by transmission electron microscopy and linear light scattering analysis techniques. Epoxy resin coating based on bisphenol A was treated with polyamine hardener as a curing agent. Fracture toughness measurements were carried out using a single edge notched bend specimens within a three-point bending test at room temperature. Effect of SiAlON nanoparticles on the chemical resistance of epoxy resin was investigated by immersion of samples in 3.5 wt% NaCl solution at 85 degrees C for 60 days. Results indicated the enhancements in the mechanical properties and chemical resistance of epoxy nanocomposite due to the addition of small parts of SiAlON nanoparticles. The contents of samples with 3 and 5 wt% of SiAlON nanopowders have been considered as optimum contents compared to the other samples. They showed improvement in the crack propagation resistance in chemical solution and fracture toughness tests, both. Enhancment in abrasion resistance was found at either of 3 and 5 wt% SiAlON epoxy nanocomposite samples where they showed 59 and 34% abrasion resistance more than that of the neat resin, respectively.