Multi-functional hybrid coatings containing silica nanoparticles and anti-corrosive acrylate monomer for scratch and corrosion resistance

Multi-functional hybrid coatings having both anti-corrosion and scratch resistance were prepared from modified silica nanoparticles and functional acrylates. To improve the dispersion properties of silica nanoparticles in the organic/inorganic hybrid coatings, the surface of the nanoparticles was modified with γ-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane. The coating solution could be prepared by mixing modified silica nanoparticles, tetrasiloxane acrylate, di-acrylate monomer containing an anti-corrosion functional group, acrylic acid, and an initiator in a solvent. The mixture was then dip-coated on iron substrates and finally polymerized by ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. Corrosion and scratch resistance of the coated iron was evaluated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and a pencil hardness test, respectively. From the EIS results, the coatings with tetrasiloxane acrylate and di-acrylate did not show any decrease in impedance or phase angle, even after 50 days' exposure to 0.1 M NaCl electrolyte, whereas the conventional acrylate coatings started to fail after only 24 h. A hybrid coating containing the amine-quinone functional group exhibited excellent corrosion protection properties with 4-5H pencil hardness.