Effects of SiO2 and ZnO Nanoparticles on Epoxy Coatings and Its Performance Investigation Using Thermal and Nanoindentation Technique

Synergistic formulations were developed with nano-pigments, and their effects on the mechanical properties on steel substrates and structures were evaluated. This paper provides a complete analysis of the epoxy coating, focusing on the incorporation of nano-pigments and their synergistic effects in obtaining higher mechanical properties. This study reports the preparation of epoxy nano-silica composites, their characterization, and the development of coatings based on nano-silica and ZnO particles. In this composite, epoxy resin was incorporated with SiO2 as the main pigment and ZnO as a synergistic pigment to achieve high-performance epoxy coatings for multiple applications. The mechanical properties of these coatings (ESZ1-ESZ3) were evaluated by nanoindentation, and were used to measure the enhanced durability of nanocomposite coatings developed with synergistic formulations with different types of nanoparticles. Their performance was evaluated before and after exposure to a 3.5% NaCl solution to examine the changes of hardness and elastic modulus. The results showed that the nanoindentation technique, in conjunction with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction, could examine the durability and predict the service life of nanocomposite coatings. A correlation was observed between the modulus and hardness before and after exposing epoxy composite coatings (ESZ1-ESZ3) to a 3.5% NaCl solution.

Automated summary

This study focuses on the development of synergistic formulations using nano-pigments to enhance the mechanical properties of epoxy coatings on steel substrates and structures. The incorporation of nano-silica and ZnO particles in the composite led to improved durability and predicted service life of the nanocomposite coatings. Nanoindentation, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction were used to evaluate the mechanical properties and durability of the coatings before and after exposure to a NaCl solution.