Mechanical properties and weather stability of a novel nanocomposite coating based on fluoroethylene/vinyl ether copolymer and organically modified zirconium dioxide nanoparticles

Abstract This study aims to investigate the effect of organically modified zirconium dioxide nanoparticles (m‐ZrO 2 NPs) on the mechanical properties, morphology, and weather stability of fluoroethylene/vinyl ether copolymer (FEVE). To modify the surface of ZrO 2 NPs, a 3‐(trimethoxysilyl)propyl methacrylate silane (TMSPM) organic coupling agent was utilized. The ZrO 2 NPs were treated with 3 wt.% of TMSPM using a solution method with ultrasonication assistance at 50°C. Various amounts of m‐ZrO 2 NPs (1, 2, and 4 wt.% of FEVE weight) were dispersed in a xylene solvent and mixed with FEVE resin. The mixture was then cured with polyisocyanate. The mechanical properties of the FEVE nanocomposite coatings, including impact resistance, adhesion, and abrasion resistance were measured. The morphology of the coatings was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). To evaluate the weather stability of the coatings, an accelerated weathering test was conducted in a QUV/SPRAY chamber. This test could potentially affect the chemical structure, weight/thickness, and surface characteristics of the coatings. The carbonyl index, weight loss, and changes in mechanical properties of the coatings were monitored and discussed at different intervals during the accelerated weathering test. In addition, the morphology of the coatings after undergoing 42 cycles of accelerated weathering testing was analyzed. The results indicated that m‐ZrO 2 NPs had a positive impact on the weather durability of FEVE resin, particularly in significantly enhancing the weather resistance of the FEVE‐based coatings. Therefore, these coatings exhibit potential for outdoor applications. Highlights Silane modified ZrO 2 nanoparticles improve the mechanical properties of FEVE resin. The weather stability of FEVE resin increases as using modified ZrO 2 nanoparticles. The suitable content of modified ZrO 2 nanoparticles for FEVE resin is 2 wt.%. Mechanical properties of the nanocomposite reduce slightly after 42 cycle testing. Propose the mechanism for weather resistance of the nanocomposite coating.