UV protective bio-based epoxy/carbon quantum dots nanocomposite coatings: Synthesis and investigation of properties

Abstract

This research focuses on synthesis and study of the properties of castor oil-based epoxy/carbon quantum dots (COEp/CQDs) nanocomposite coatings possessing resistance against UV. First, CQDs were synthesized by pyrolysis of starch using microwave-assisted method and characterized via various spectroscopic and microscopic methods. Next, certain quantity of castor oil as a renewable resource, CQDs with different weight percentages and a curing agent were added to epoxy resin and consequently COEp/CQDs were prepared. Through findings of FTIR, photoluminescence and UV-visible spectroscopy analyses, existent functional groups and fluorescent feature of the nanocomposite coatings were confirmed. UV-vis spectroscopy approved UV resistance of the COEp/CQDs coatings. As concentration of CQDs increased in resin matrix, UV absorption was maximized. The morphology and uniform dispersion of CQDs in the coatings matrix were verified by FESEM analysis. Results of TGA, pull-off adhesion strength and tensile tests, and DMTA analysis proved adding CQDs to the resin matrix led to progress of thermal endurance, adhesion strength, mechanical and viscoelastic properties of the synthesized coatings including an increase in storage modulus and Tg.