Antimicrobial and mechanical performance of epoxy/graphene-based powder coatings

• Published in: Iranian polymer journal 2023, Vol.32 (1), p.1-11
• Main Authors: Vanzetto, Andrielen B., Marocco, Marcos V., de Lima, Gabriel G., Beltrami, Lilian V. R., Zattera, Ademir J., Piazza, Diego
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adhesion; Antifouling coatings; Antiinfectives and antibacterials; Antimicrobial agents; Carbon steels; Ceramics; Chemistry; Chemistry and Materials Science; Composites; Contact angle; Epoxy resins; Flexibility; Glass; Graphene; Hydrophobicity; Impact resistance; Mechanical properties; Metal sheets; Microwave absorption; Nanocomposites; Nanoparticles; Natural Materials; Original Research; Platelets (materials); Polymer Sciences; Powder coatings; Production methods; Surface chemistry; Surface tension
• ISSN: 1026-1265; 1735-5265
• DOI: 10.1007/s13726-022-01107-y

Graphene-based coatings’ properties have been thoroughly explored in some scientific and technological branches. However, their use in antimicrobial surfaces is still a developing field. The study of new methods of producing graphene-based coatings that have good mechanical and protective properties, microwave absorption performance and the superficial antimicrobial activity, presents itself as a necessary research. In this context, epoxy/graphene nanoplatelets powder coatings applied on carbon steel sheets were evaluated for their properties. An amount of 1 and 2% (by wt) of graphene nanoplatelets was added to the solid epoxy resin and homogenized by mixing processes without using solvents. They were characterized for tests of mechanical properties of adhesion, impact, and flexibility, for surface tension, brightness, antifouling and antimicrobial activity, and microwave absorption properties. The coatings showed excellent mechanical performance in terms of adhesion, impact resistance and flexibility. The graphene nanoplatelets provided greater hydrophobicity to the coatings, which had a contact angle greater than 90°. The coatings containing graphene demonstrated great potential for the microwave absorption and antimicrobial surface. Different adhesion processes of marine aquatic organisms were observed, indicating the active role of the nanoparticle in the nanocomposite coating. These results indicated potential application of these coatings in different industries such as food, healthcare, maritime and defense. Graphical abstract