Evaluation of the Mechanic and Electrochemical Properties of an Epoxy Coating with Addition of Different Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxanes (POSS) Applied on Substrate of Low Alloy Steel

Abstract

The epoxy resin is one of the matrices most employed in obtaining composites and coatings. Its properties have been modified using materials such as clays and polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes -POSS. The use of POSS in the preparation of thermosetting nanocomposites has been studied in obtaining hybrid materials with higher mechanic and surface properties. The functionality of POSS cage is important, since a thermosetting is formed by a cross-linked structure that can interact at any direction, forming bonds or acting in the interface of the cages inserted. This works aims to evaluate the influence of three POSS (Glycidylisobutyl-POSS, Triglycidylisobutyl-POSS and Glycidyl-POSS) added in epoxy resin, in the mechanic and electrochemical behaviors, when applied on low alloy steel. It was observed an increase in roughness and hydrophobicity. The sample containing Glycidylisobutyl-POSS presented the best results of corrosion resistance. Glycidyl-POSS showed an inefficient dispersion, forming agglomerates, leading to a low electrochemical behavior.