Application of Novel Polymer Coatings

A special issue of Polymers (ISSN 2073-4360). This special issue belongs to the section "Polymer Applications".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (25 April 2024) | Viewed by 7318

Special Issue Editors

College of Health Science and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen Technology University, Shenzhen 518118, China
Interests: multifunctional coatings; sewage treatment

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Guest Editor
College of Health Science and Environmental Engineering, Shenzhen Technology University, Shenzhen 518118, China
Interests: hydrogel coatings; sensing devices

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Newly developed polymer coatings with applications ranging from energy and environment science to machinery manufacturing are attracting worldwide interest as they can remarkably improve chemical, mechanical, optical, thermal, electrical, and other performances. The functionality of the objective coatings can be successfully tailored to meet the demands of novel performances by controlling chemical compositions, structures, morphologies, and interfaces.

This Special Issue focuses on molecular engineering of polymer coatings for applications including, but not limited to, new energy (e.g., thermal insulation, solar-thermal conversion, battery separators, electrodes, etc.), environmental science (e.g., self-cleaning membranes, oil–water separation technology, sewage treatment, air purification, anti-adhesion, anti-icing, etc.), electronic and optical devices (e.g., electronic or optical sensing, flexible displays, waterproof, anti-fingerprint, anti-reflection, self-healing, etc.), and biomedical apparatus (biocompatibility or self-lubrication of biomedical devices, wearable devices, anti-bioadhesion, anti-corrosion, etc.).

Dr. Li Yu
Dr. Linbo Han
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • surface modification
  • polymer coating
  • self-cleaning
  • self-healing
  • stimuli-responsive coating
  • super-wettability
  • biocompatibility
  • anticorrosion
  • sensing
  • oil–water separation

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

16 pages, 12061 KiB  
Article
Strengthening Mechanism of Polyurea to Anti-Penetration Performance of Spherical Cell Porous Aluminum
by Zhiqiang Fan, Yujian Guo, Yongxin Cui and Xiaopeng Yang
Polymers 2024, 16(9), 1249; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16091249 - 30 Apr 2024
Viewed by 240
Abstract
A composite structure containing a metallic skeleton and polyurea elastomer interpenetrating phase was fabricated, and its anti-penetration performance for low-velocity large mass fragments was experimentally studied. The protection capacity of three polyurea was compared based on the penetration resistance force measurement. Results show [...] Read more.
A composite structure containing a metallic skeleton and polyurea elastomer interpenetrating phase was fabricated, and its anti-penetration performance for low-velocity large mass fragments was experimentally studied. The protection capacity of three polyurea was compared based on the penetration resistance force measurement. Results show that the polyurea coating layer at the backside improves the performance of the polyurea-filled spherical cell porous aluminum (SCPA) plate due to its backside support effect and phase transition effect, which are accompanied by a large amount of energy absorption. The frontal-side-coated polyurea layer failed to shear and provided a very limited strengthening effect on the penetration resistance of the interpenetrating phase composite panel. The filling polyurea in SCPA increased the damage area and formed a compression cone for the backside coating layer, leading to a significant stress diffusion effect. The anti-penetration performance was synergistically improved by the plug block effect of the interpenetrating phase composite and the backside support effect of the PU coating layer. Compared with SCPA, the initial impact failure strength and the average resistance force of the composite plate were improved by 120–200% and 108–274%, respectively. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Novel Polymer Coatings)
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17 pages, 6184 KiB  
Article
The Incorporation of Graphene Nanoplatelets in Tung Oil–Urea Formaldehyde Microcapsules: A Paradigm Shift in Physicochemical Enhancement
by Abdullah Naseer Mustapha, Maitha AlMheiri, Nujood AlShehhi, Nitul Rajput, Zineb Matouk and Nataša Tomić
Polymers 2024, 16(7), 909; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16070909 - 26 Mar 2024
Viewed by 653
Abstract
Tung oil (TO) microcapsules (MCs) with a poly(urea-formaldehyde) (PUF) shell were synthesized via one-step in situ polymerization, with the addition of graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) (1–5 wt. %). The synergistic effects of emulsifiers between gelatin (gel) and Tween 80 were observed, with gel chosen [...] Read more.
Tung oil (TO) microcapsules (MCs) with a poly(urea-formaldehyde) (PUF) shell were synthesized via one-step in situ polymerization, with the addition of graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) (1–5 wt. %). The synergistic effects of emulsifiers between gelatin (gel) and Tween 80 were observed, with gel chosen to formulate the MCs due to its enhanced droplet stability. SEM images then displayed an increased shell roughness of the TO-GNP MCs in comparison to the pure TO MCs due to the GNP species on the shell. At the same time, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images also confirmed the presence of GNPs on the outer layer of the MCs, with the stacked graphene layers composed of 5–7 layers with an interlayer distance of ~0.37 nm. Cross-sectional TEM imaging of the MCs also confirmed the successful encapsulation of the GNPs in the core of the MCs. Micromanipulation measurements displayed that the 5% GNPs increased the toughness by 71% compared to the pure TO MCs, due to the reduction in the fractional free volume of the core material. When the MCs were dispersed in an epoxy coating and applied on a metallic substrate, excellent healing capacities of up to 93% were observed for the 5% GNP samples, and 87% for the pure TO MC coatings. The coatings also exhibited excellent corrosion resistance for all samples up to 7 days, with the GNP samples offering a more strenuous path for the corrosive agents. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Novel Polymer Coatings)
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21 pages, 29628 KiB  
Article
An Evaluation of the Wear Resistance of Electroplated Nickel Coatings Composited with 2,2,6,6-Tetramethylpiperidine 1-oxyl-Oxidized Cellulose Nanofibers
by Makoto Iioka, Wataru Kawanabe, Subaru Tsujimura, Tatsuya Kobayashi and Ikuo Shohji
Polymers 2024, 16(2), 224; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16020224 - 12 Jan 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 668
Abstract
In this study, the wear resistance of nickel (Ni)–cellulose nanofiber (CNF) composite electroplated films on steel plates (JIS SPCC, cold-rolled steel) was evaluated, including their surface and microstructural properties. In the CNF sample, 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine 1-oxyl (TEMPO)-oxidized CNF was used. As a result of [...] Read more.
In this study, the wear resistance of nickel (Ni)–cellulose nanofiber (CNF) composite electroplated films on steel plates (JIS SPCC, cold-rolled steel) was evaluated, including their surface and microstructural properties. In the CNF sample, 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine 1-oxyl (TEMPO)-oxidized CNF was used. As a result of the ball-on-disk abrasion test, in which steel (SUJ2) balls were used as the counterpart material, the plated film obtained with the addition of 1 g/L of CNF to the plating solution showed the highest wear resistance in this study. Compared to the conventional Ni-plated film without CNF, the abrasion loss volume on the plated side was reduced by approximately 79%, and that on the ball side was reduced remarkably by 94%. A microstructural analysis of the abrasion scars showed areas where co-deposited CNFs were stretched in the direction of abrasion, suggesting that the wear reduction effect was caused by sliding between the individual CNFs within the aggregates. Moreover, the hardness of the plated film increased when the Ni crystallite size became finer. It was confirmed that the co-deposition of fine CNFs is effective in improving hardness, whereas the co-deposition of a certain degree of aggregated CNFs is effective in exhibiting the wear reduction effect. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Novel Polymer Coatings)
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17 pages, 5768 KiB  
Article
Durable Polyacrylic/Siloxane-Silica Coating for the Protection of Cast AlSi7Mg0.3 Alloy against Corrosion in Chloride Solution
by Peter Rodič, Barbara Kapun and Ingrid Milošev
Polymers 2023, 15(19), 3993; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15193993 - 04 Oct 2023
Viewed by 927
Abstract
This study presented a novel corrosion protective coating based on polyacrylic/siloxane-silica (PEHA-SS) deposited on lightweight cast aluminium alloy AlSi7Mg0.3. The synthesis of PEHA-SS comprises organic monomer 2-ethylhexyl acrylate and organically modified silane 3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl methacrylate as well as an inorganic silane, tetraethyl orthosilicate. The [...] Read more.
This study presented a novel corrosion protective coating based on polyacrylic/siloxane-silica (PEHA-SS) deposited on lightweight cast aluminium alloy AlSi7Mg0.3. The synthesis of PEHA-SS comprises organic monomer 2-ethylhexyl acrylate and organically modified silane 3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl methacrylate as well as an inorganic silane, tetraethyl orthosilicate. The steps during the synthesis process were monitored using real-time infrared spectroscopy. The coating deposited onto the AlSi7Mg0.3 surface was characterised using various techniques, including infrared spectroscopy, 3D contact profilometry, and scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The corrosion resistance of the coated alloy in sodium chloride solutions was evaluated using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The accelerated testing of the uncoated and coated sample was performed using the Machu test. This novel, nine micrometres thick PEHA-SS coating achieved durable corrosion (barrier) protection for the AlSi7Mg0.3 alloy in 0.1 M NaCl during the first four months of immersion or under accelerated corrosion conditions in a Machu chamber containing NaCl, acetic acid, and hydrogen peroxide at 37 °C. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Novel Polymer Coatings)
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18 pages, 3640 KiB  
Article
Polycaprolactone/Starch/Agar Coatings for Food-Packaging Paper: Statistical Correlation of the Formulations’ Effect on Diffusion, Grease Resistance, and Mechanical Properties
by Emanuela Lo Faro, Angela Bonofiglio, Silvia Barbi, Monia Montorsi and Patrizia Fava
Polymers 2023, 15(19), 3921; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15193921 - 28 Sep 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1209
Abstract
Paper is one of the most promising materials for food packaging and wrapping due to its low environmental impact, but surface treatments are often needed to improve its performance, e.g., the resistance to fats and oils. In this context, this research is focused [...] Read more.
Paper is one of the most promising materials for food packaging and wrapping due to its low environmental impact, but surface treatments are often needed to improve its performance, e.g., the resistance to fats and oils. In this context, this research is focused on the formulation of a new paper bio-coating. Paper was coated with liquids containing poly(hexano-6-lactone) (PCL), glycerol and variable percentages of starch (5–10% w/w PCL dry weight), agar-agar (0–1.5% w/w PCL dry weight), and polyethylene glycol (PEG) (5% or 15% w/w PCL dry weight) to improve coating uniformity and diffusion. A design of experiments approach was implemented to find statistically reliable results in terms of the best coating formulation. Coated paper was characterized through mechanical and physical properties. Results showed that agar content (1.5% w/w PCL dry weight) has a beneficial effect on increasing the resistance to oil. Furthermore, the best coating composition has been calculated, and it is 10% w/w PCL dry weight of starch, 1.5% w/w PCL dry weight of agar, and 15% w/w PCL dry weight of PEG. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Novel Polymer Coatings)
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18 pages, 3790 KiB  
Article
Synergistic Effect of Nanoparticles: Enhanced Mechanical and Corrosion Protection Properties of Epoxy Coatings Incorporated with SiO2 and ZrO2
by Ubair Abdus Samad, Mohammad Asif Alam, Hany S. Abdo, Arfat Anis and Saeed M. Al-Zahrani
Polymers 2023, 15(14), 3100; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15143100 - 20 Jul 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1245
Abstract
This research paper presents the fabrication of epoxy coatings along with the hybrid combination of SiO2 and ZrO2. The epoxy resin is incorporated with SiO2 as the primary pigment and ZrO2 as the synergist pigment. The study delves [...] Read more.
This research paper presents the fabrication of epoxy coatings along with the hybrid combination of SiO2 and ZrO2. The epoxy resin is incorporated with SiO2 as the primary pigment and ZrO2 as the synergist pigment. The study delves into the adhesion, barrier, and anti-corrosion properties of these coatings, enriched with silica and zirconium nanoparticles, and investigates their impact on the final properties of the epoxy coating. The epoxy resin, a Diglycidyl ether bisphenol-A (DGEBA) type, is cured with a polyamidoamine adduct-based curing agent. To evaluate the protective performance of silica SiO2 and zirconia ZrO2 nanoparticles in epoxy coatings, the coated samples were tested in a 3.5% NaCl solution. The experimental results clearly demonstrate a remarkable improvement in the ultimate tensile strength (UTS), yield strength (YS), and Elastic Modulus. In comparison to using SiO2 separately, the incorporation of both ZrO2 and SiO2 resulted in a substantial increase of 43.5% in UTS, 74.2% in YS, and 8.2% in Elastic Modulus. The corrosion test results revealed that the combination of DGEBA, SiO2, and ZrO2 significantly enhanced the anti-corrosion efficiency of the organic coatings. Both these pigments exhibited superior anti-corrosion effects and mechanical properties compared to conventional epoxy coatings, leading to a substantial increase in the anti-corrosion efficiency of the developed coating. This research focuses the potential of SiO2 and ZrO2 in hybrid combination for applications, where mechanical, corrosion and higher adhesion to the substrates are of prime importance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Novel Polymer Coatings)
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15 pages, 4268 KiB  
Article
UV LED Curable Perfluoropolyether (PFPE)-Urethane Methacrylate Transparent Coatings for Photonic Applications: Synthesis and Characterization
by Christian Dreyer, Dana Luca Motoc, Mathias Koehler and Leonid Goldenberg
Polymers 2023, 15(14), 2983; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15142983 - 08 Jul 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1515
Abstract
The contribution aims to bring forth a novel synthesis route in developing transparent UV LED-curable coatings accounting for various exposure options. A selection of perfluoropolyether (PFPE)-urethane methacrylate and acrylate resins, free-radical photo-initiator Omnirad 2100, and two distinct silane-based crosslinking agents were blended under [...] Read more.
The contribution aims to bring forth a novel synthesis route in developing transparent UV LED-curable coatings accounting for various exposure options. A selection of perfluoropolyether (PFPE)-urethane methacrylate and acrylate resins, free-radical photo-initiator Omnirad 2100, and two distinct silane-based crosslinking agents were blended under a weight ratio of 75:20:5 (without crosslinker) and 70:15:5:10, respectively. The coatings were cured under a UV LED 4 × 3 matrix light emitting source, in a chamber under a controlled atmosphere, by means of an in-house developed conveyor belt type platform, at different conveyor belt speeds (5, 50, 150, 250, and 500 mm/s). The morphologies of fabricated coatings were characterized by FTIR revealing high conversion rates (e.g., from 98 to 100%) for increased exposure time as a result of the 5 or 50 mm/s values, on all combinations. Dynamic–mechanical and optical properties of UV LED-cured transparent coatings were also investigated. A negative shift of the glass transition temperature values with a decrease in exposure time, in all combinations, from about 60 °C to 30 °C, along with storage moduli lowering in the glassy plateau further favors higher exposure times for curing. The refractive indices of poly-mers were from 1.38 to 1.40, whereas the thermo-optic coefficients are showing minor changes around the value of 2.55∙10−4 K−1. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Novel Polymer Coatings)
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