Resins Containing Nanomaterials

Nanomaterial is used for structures with a size of 100 nanometers. In recent years, the scope of applications for nanomaterials and their positive effects on polymers have increased their consumption volumes (Figure 1.) [1]. With the growing number of scientists researching nanomaterials and an increase in the number of producers in this field, the use of nanomaterials alongside other materials in industrial applications has become economically routine, despite their initially high cost. There are numerous fields utilizing nanomaterials with different structures, including textiles, electronics, coatings, medical and others. Nanomaterials can be classified as nanotubes, nanospheres, nanocrystals, nanoparticles, and so forth. Research in the paints and coatings sector has particularly focused on nanoparticles and nanospheres. Paints and varnishes made with nanoparticles are known to have increased ultraviolet (UV) resistance. The use of nanomaterials in coatings has been shown to increase flame-retardant properties, corrosion resistance, and antibacterial characteristics. Nanospheres containing various chemicals in their structure are expected to find their place in the coatings sector in coming years. Particularly, when nanospheres are subjected to physical impact, the chemicals inside them are released and dispersed over the damaged surface, subsequently curing to form a coating on metal surfaces, thereby preventing potential metal corrosion [2-5]. It has been reported that coatings obtained by adding nanoparticles in low concentrations to polymers show improved surface quality, mechanical strength, and corrosion resistance. Due to the inability to achieve homogeneity in physical blends and the tendency of added nanomaterials to leave the structure over time, the use of nano structures bonded to polymers through covalent bonds has become important. Another issue in paints and varnishes is the low flame resistance of polymers used as binders. The fact that nanoparticles act as a barrier in flame zones, form ash, and prevent the coated surface from igniting demonstrates why nanomaterials should be used in the paints and coatings sector [6,7]. As a specialty chemicals company, İzel Kimya conducts coating work to enhance surface properties (such as gloss, water repellency, and hardness) of paints and varnishes after application and to protect metals from corrosion. In this context, nanomaterials are modified and reacted with alkyd, acrylic, or epoxy hardeners to develop superior-performing resins.

References: 1) https://prosafety.com.tr/nanomalzemeler/ 2) https://arge7.com/detay.asp?id=1532 3) Post, W. (2017). Self-Healing Polymer Composites. 4) Madara, Sahith Reddy et al. "Review of research and developments in self-healing composite materials." (2018). 5) S.A. Haddadi, A. Ramazani S.A., M. Mahdavian, P. Taheri, J.M.C. Mol, Y. Gonzalez-Garcia, Self-healing epoxy nanocomposite coatings based on dual-encapsulation of nano-carbon hollow spheres with filmforming resin and curing agent, Composites Part B: Engineering,,Volume 175, 2019. 6) Dhirde, P.G., Chada, V.G.R., Mallik, B.P. and Moitra, N. (2018), Alkyd-clay nanocomposites for improved anticorrosion and mechanical performance of coating. Polym. Compos., 39: 2922-2931. 7) Pielichowski, K., Majka, T.M. and Raftopoulos, K.N. (2016). Rheology and Processing of Polymer/POSS Nanocomposites. In Rheology and Processing of Polymer Nanocomposites (eds S. Thomas, R. Muller and J. Abraham).

  Dr. Cemil Dızman R&D Manager İzel Kimya Caner Arar Researcher İzel Kimya