Resin-Clay Nanocomposites For Improved Anti-Corrosin Coatings

The PRA Coatings Technology Centre, together with an academic and industrial partnership, has been awarded funding for an £850,000 project, under the UK Government’s (DTI) Micro and Nano Initiative. The PRA will manage the three and a half year investigation into the production of novel resin-clay nanocomposites and their effects on barrier properties when used, for example, in anti-corrosion paints.

Recent literature has documented beneficial effects on the barrier and mechanical properties for plastics having polymer-clay nanocomposites in their formulations. Such materials are manufactured from high molecular weight thermoplastic polymers (e.g. nylon, polystyrene, and polypropylene). In the current project he emphasis will be on modifying relatively low molecular weight ‘reactive’ resins, such as polyesters, acrylics and epoxy resins, which form the building blocks for stoving or two pack anti-corrosion paints and coatings.

Improvement in the barrier performance of coating would reduce maintenance requirements of, for example, structural steel, thereby leading to substantial cost savings. Present estimates put the cost of corrosion damage in the UK in terms of the expense for, removal of existing paint and rust, the new coating, the labour costs and the temporary loss of use of the structures etc., at over £10 billion pa.

The availability of the nanocomposites resin-clays should allow a reduction or, in the longer term, possible elimination of the use of other toxic and generally expensive anticorrosion technologies. Additionally it is also expected that these materials could offer opportunities for manufacturing coatings with enhanced mechanical properties and durability.

Further Information

If you are interested in this, or any other project, please contact Richard Holman.