Silicone functionalized pigment to enhance coating performance

The present study reports chemical treatment of pigment titanium dioxide (TiO2) with silicone to give surface functionalized TiO2. The surface functionalization was confirmed by Fourier Transform Infra Red Spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy, Transition Electron Microscopy and Dynamic Light Scattering analysis. Coatings were formulated by incorporation of these functionalized TiO2 into the epoxy polymer matrix and compared for coating properties with untreated TiO2. The effect of the functionalized TiO2 on various coating properties with respect to physico-mechanical properties, anticorrosion efficiencies, UV resistance and chemical resistance was studied in detail. The results revealed remarkable enhancement of coating properties with functionalized TiO2 when compared with the coatings formulated with untreated TiO2. (c) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.