Highly stretchable polyurethane coating based on functionalized cerium oxide nanoparticles for anti‐corrosive/ UV protection

Abstract To prolong the active life of carbon steel in corrosive environment, it is an effective way to use inorganic nano‐pigments in polyurethane (PU) coatings. In this work, the CeO2 nanoparticles are modified by APTMS (labeled as mCeNPs), and the organic–inorganic nanocomposite coating is prepared. The morphology and structure of PU/mCeNPs composites are characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The mechanical and UV resistance properties of compound material are studied by ultraviolet spectroscopy and universal tensile testing machine. The corrosion resistance of PU/mCeNPs coatings are investigated by Tafel polarization technique and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The results show that the PU composite coating with mCeNPs additive had high long‐term corrosion resistance. Under the optimum conditions, when mCeNPs accounted for 5% of PU, the nanocomposite coatings show excellent UV resistance, excellent mechanical properties, and long‐term corrosion resistance due to the characteristics of ceria and its good dispersion in PU.