FORMATION OF A NOVEL HARD BINARY SiO₂/QUANTUM DOT NANOCOMPOSITE WITH PREDICTABLE ELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVITY

Abstract

In this paper, hard silica/epoxy nanocomposite coatings were prepared by a spinning method on the surface of AA6082 aluminum alloy with addition of CdTe quantum dots as the second phase in hard nanocomposite coating with different ratios with respect to main phase (silica nanoparticulates). Wear and electrical conductivity test have been done on the coatings for investigation of the possible enhanced or inverse effects of addition QDs on properties of hard nanocomposite. The effect of coating time, rotating speed and SiO 2/QD ratio have been investigated and it has been shown that by adding QD nanoparticulates, the electrical conductivity of layers is completely controllable without adverse effect on wear resistance. The effects of mentioned parameters on the trend of obtained curves have been discussed.

Size Effect in Mechanical Properties of Nanostructured Coatings

“…Wear rate illustrates an optimum level and increasing the SiO 2 /QD ratio after this level will decrease wear rate significantly. QD nanoparticulates are softer than SiO 2 -nanoparticulates and this behavior in wear rate was predictable, somehow [102] determining the optimum level will affect considerations for possible industrial usage especially for achieving desirable wear rate and electrical conductivity together, in economical point of view [103].…”

Size Effect in Physical and Other Properties of Nanostructured Coatings

“…After reaching a special level for presence of QD nanoparticulates and increasing their joining, the electrical conductivity will increase again with a slight slope, as it can be seen in third section of the curve. [122] …”