Study of Nano-Alumina Impact on the Performance of a CaCO3-Epoxy Composite Coating

Abstract

CaCO3-epoxy composite coatings containing different qualities of nano-Al2O3 were successfully prepared. Infrared spectroscopy was used to verify whether the nano-Al2O3 was modified successfully and scanning electron microscopic (SEM) pictures were taken to study the inner morphology of the composite coatings. When tested by the hydraulic universal material testing system (MTS), it was found that the mechanical performances of composite coatings worsened after added nano-Al2O3. Thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) indicated that the thermal stability of composite coatings increased after nano-Al2O3 was added; the abrasion resistance test explained that wear resistance also improved. Finally, it was found that the comprehensive performances of composite coatings for anticorrosion and adhesive strength were best after being tested under 63MPa and 165°C in an autoclave, when added at 10wt% nano-Al2O3.