Examination of the effects of nanoparticles incorporated into polymer coatings on the adhesion behavior and mechanical properties onto different metal substrates

This study aims to investigate the effects of incorporating Graphene Nanoplatelets (GNP), ZnO, and SiO₂ nanoparticles into polymer materials on the adhesion behavior and mechanical properties of coatings on different metal substrates. Accordingly, through experimental investigations, the utilization of new composite coatings derived from nanoparticles incorporated into polymer matrices is targeted to enhance the adhesion behavior and mechanical properties of coatings. Moreover, the objective is to identify the reinforcement and substrate variables that optimize these properties. In this study, epoxy coatings containing nanoparticle loading at a weight percentage of 1% were prepared and applied onto galvanized steel plates and uncoated black steel plates. Various tests were conducted on the composite coatings with incorporated particles to determine their adhesion behavior using cross-cut testing, elastic properties using cone bending testing, corrosion resistance using salt spray testing, behavior under sudden loading using impact testing, and coating hardness using nanoindentation testing. Additionally, for the characterization of the composite coating material, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy analysis, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), and microstructural analysis using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were performed. The results obtained indicate that the addition of nanoparticles enhances the adhesion performance and mechanical properties of the coating.