Development of epoxy coating with TiO2 nanoparticles for self-cleaning applications

Fourth Author's Department

Construction Engineering Department

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https://doi.org/10.1007/s41062-024-01604-4

All Authors

Amr Hamed Gouda, Noha Samir Donia, Mostafa Mohamed Hassan Khalil, Ahmed Shafik El-Gendy

Document Type

Research Article

Publication Title

Innovative Infrastructure Solutions

Publication Date

8-1-2024

doi

10.1007/s41062-024-01604-4

Abstract

Self-cleaning coating has recently become very important in industrial applications to maintain contamination-free surface, reduce amount of water needed for surface cleaning and increase the surface durability. Hydrophobic surface is a surface that is characterised with a contact angle (CA) above 90° and allows water droplets to scroll easily on the surface and takes the dirt particles away. TiO2 nanoparticles is one of the most efficient material that is widely used for coating to improve self-cleaning property. This is due to its high efficiency, high stability, low cost and safety to human and the environment. The Amid cured epoxy is one of the widely used coating materials in many applications including paving, sealing, … etc. However, there are limited research conducted on improving its self-cleaning properties. Therefore, the current work aims to study the ability of TiO2 for improving the self-cleaning proper ties of Amid cured epoxy. Epoxy risen was reinforced with TiO2 nanoparticles with different concentrations of 0% (blank), 3%, 5% and 10%. The effect of addition of TiO2 nanoparticles on surface behaviour was investigated by measuring surface water CA. Results showed significant increase in CA with increasing of TiO2 nanoparticles concentration. Lowest CA of 80° was recorded for blanked samples, while highest CA of 105° was recorder for 10% concentration of TiO2 nanoparticles coating. Increasing concentration of TiO2 nanoparticles to 10% in the coating can change surface behavior from hydrophilic to hydrophobic surface that enhance the self-cleaning property. This study explores the utilization of TiO2 nanoparticles to enhance the self-cleaning properties of amid-cured epoxy coatings. The experimental approach involves synthesizing TiO2 nanoparticles and incorporating them into epoxy coatings at concentrations of 0%, 3%, 5%, and 10%. The wettability and surface behavior of coated plates are examined through contact angle measurements using an optical tensiometer. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) is employed to analyze the surface morphology and distribution of TiO2 nanoparticles. The results demonstrate a uniform dispersion of TiO2 nanoparticles in the coated plates. Pinhole tests confirm proper coating application. Contact angle measurements reveal an increase in hydrophobicity with rising TiO2 concentration, contributing to improved self-cleaning efficiency. Surface energy calculations further support the self-cleaning enhancement, with a notable reduction observed at higher TiO2 concentrations. Comparative analysis with blank samples shows substantial improvements of 5.9%, 11.8%, and 36.8% for TiO2 concentrations of 3%, 5%, and 10%, respectively. The study underscores the potential applications of TiO2-enhanced coatings in various industries, offering efficiency gains and environmental benefits. This research contributes to the broader goal of sustainable practices by reducing the need for cleaning chemicals, decreasing water consumption, and enhancing surface durability.

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Article. Record derived from SCOPUS.

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