Investigating the Impact of Interference on the Structure and Characteristics of Self-Stratifying Coatings

Abstract

Self-stratifying coatings, with their convenient painting process and superior coating properties, are considered to be an important direction for replacing traditional coatings. However, due to the relatively complex composition of a coating and its curing process, it is necessary to find a suitable method to track and investigate the film-forming mechanism of coatings. In this paper, we have modified PHMS (polyhydromethylsiloxane) to equip it with the same functional groups as epoxy resin and then physically blended it with epoxy resin to prepare a composite coating with self-stratifying characteristics. To study the preparation, curing, and aging properties of the coating in real time, the AIEgens were introduced into the coating materials, which are capable of emitting fluorescent light (under excitation), depending on whether the molecular rotors of AIEgens are constrained or free to move. Research has proven that the modified PHMS (G-PHMS) can effectively interact with epoxy resin to form a composite coating with a self-stratifying structure. The effective mutual compounding between the two endows the coating with good hydrophobicity and self-cleaning properties, good thermal stability, excellent mechanical properties, and corrosion resistance. With the simple process of coating and its superior performance, it has promising applications in industry.