Influence of multifunctional graphene oxide and silanized vanadium nitride in polyurethane coatings for the protection of aluminium alloy in aerospace industries

TL;DR: Polyurethane coatings modified with graphene oxide, silanized vanadium nitride, and N-(n-butyl)-3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane exhibit enhanced anticorrosion and mechanical properties, with improved hydrophobicity and adhesive strength, making them suitable for aerospace industry applications.

Abstract: Polyurethane (PU) coatings were modified by the addition of vanadium nitride (VN), N-(n-butyl)-3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (BAMS), and graphene oxide (GO) to increase their anticorrosion and mechanical characteristics. The SEM/EDX, TEM, TGA, XPS, and XRD techniques were employed to examine the structural and morphological behaviours of the films for pure VN, BAMS/VN, GO/VN, and GO/BAMS-VN. Electrochemical methods and mechanical tests supported the anticorrosive and adhesive capabilities of the PU-GO/BAMS-VN nanocomposite. Impedance studies confirm that the corrosion protection performance of PU-GO/BAMS-VN was measured to be much greater (3.623E11 Ω.cm2) than plain polymer (1.51E5 Ω.cm2) in 3.5 % NaCl solution. Studies using SECM demonstrated that the metal ions that dissolve in the PU-GO/BAMS-VN nanocomposite are under control. The homogeneous dispersion of VN nanofillers was revealed by SEM studies. Using SEM/EDX and XRD techniques, modification in material morphology, phase structure, and compositions were examined. Strong bonding between GO/BAMS-VN and polyurethane produced a compact film with improved mechanical properties. By having a WCA of 157°, it exhibits extreme hydrophobic characteristics. The PU-GO/BAMS-VN film displayed the enhanced adhesive strength (27.2 MPa). The PU-GO/BAMS-VN could therefore be exploited as a potential material for coatings for use in aerospace industries.