Effect of UV Light on the Barrier Performance of Aluminum Powder/Epoxy Coating

Spherical aluminum powder was added to an epoxy composite coating in order to improve its protection performance for metal materials. The strength of the coating before and after UV (Ultraviolet Light) aging, its yellowing value, and its barrier properties were tested to explore the influence of UV light on the barrier performance of aluminum powder/epoxy coating. The results show that the addition of the aluminum powder enhanced the strength of the epoxy coating and reflected environmental UV light. This improved the resistance of the coating to UV aging and prolonged its service life. The composite prepared with 6 wt.% aluminum power exhibited the highest strength values before and after aging: 64.5 MPa and 58.5 MPa, respectively. After aging, the strength loss rate of this epoxy coating was 9.3%, and its yellowing value was +1.43.