Durability and Thermal Behavior of Functional Paints Formulated with Recycled-Glass Hollow Microspheres of Different Size

This study aims to assess the effect of hollow glass microspheres of different sizes derived from glass industry waste on the durability and thermal behavior of waterborne paint. The coatings were characterized by electron microscopy to investigate the distribution of the spheres and their influence on the layer morphology. The impact of the various glassy spheres on the mechanical feature of the coatings was assessed using the Buchholz hardness test and the Scrub abrasion test. The role of the spheres in altering the durability of the samples was analyzed by the salt spray exposure test and the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements. Finally, a specific accelerated degradation test was carried out to explore the evolution of the thermal behavior of the composite coatings. Ultimately, this work revealed the pros and cons of using hollow glass spheres as a multifunctional paint filler, highlighting the size of the spheres as a key parameter. For example, spheres with adequate size (25-44 mu m), totally embedded in the polymeric matrix, are able to reduce the thermal conductivity of the coating avoiding local heat accumulation phenomena.

Automated summary

This study investigated the impact of hollow glass microspheres of different sizes derived from glass industry waste on the durability and thermal behavior of waterborne paint. Electron microscopy was used to analyze the distribution of the spheres and their influence on layer morphology. Mechanical properties of the coatings were evaluated using hardness and abrasion tests. The study also examined the effect of the glass microspheres on durability through salt spray exposure and electrochemical impedance measurements, as well as the thermal behavior of the coatings through accelerated degradation testing.