| Abstract: | In this study, a new modifier (KPG) was prepared by modifying graphene oxide with γ‐glycidoxypropyl trimethoxysilane (KH560) and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). KPG was in turn added to aqueous urethane acrylate for the fabrication of waterborne polyurethane polyacrylate emulsion modified with KH560‐PDMS composite (KPG/WPUA). Textural characterizations of the KPG/WPUA coating were achieved via Fourier transform infrared, SEM, TGA and AFM techniques, which revealed that the KPG/WPUA film possessed a smooth surface. The synthesized KPG/WPUA films were tested for mechanical properties, hydrophobicity and acid/water corrosion performance which suggested their highly hydrophobic surface. KPG/WPUA with 0.1% KPG showed a contact angle of 118.35°, 30.35° higher than that of pristine WPUA. The KPG/WPUA film exhibited higher thermal stability, i.e. a 5% weight loss temperature of 305 °C, which was 30 °C higher than that of pristine WPUA film. The Young's modulus and elongation at break of the KPG/WPUA film were 34.1 MPa and 74.88% respectively, which were higher than that of WPUA film. Furthermore, KPG/WPUA films exhibited greater resistance (without obvious blistering and the white spotting phenomenon) to H2O2, HCl and water corrosion than pristine WPUA. The superior performance of KPG/WPUA films was attributed to the network chain structure formed upon the introduction of KPG into WPUA. The outstanding performance of KPG/WPUA films in terms of mechanical properties, thermal stability and high resistance to acidic and water corrosion makes them interesting alternative contenders for target applications. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry |
