Dispersion and UV‐VIS Properties of Nanoparticles in Coatings

Abstract

The dispersion and UV‐VIS properties of nano‐SiO₂, nano‐TiO₂, and nano‐ZnO particles in solvent‐based acrylic or polyester based polyurethane coatings and water‐borne acrylic latex coatings studied in our laboratory are reviewed. The dispersion of nanoparticles depends on the type of nanoparticle, coating system, mixing method, dispersant and so on. It is possible that most, but not all, of the nanoparticles from powder studied here can be dispersed in nanoscale level (<100 nm), however, the nanoparticles from the sol can be dispersed in nanoscale level completely. The UV‐VIS property of nanocomposite coatings mainly depends on the inherent property of nanoparticles as well as their dispersion. An increment of UV‐shielding property of the coating was observed after nanoparticles embedded. Among all the nanoparticles studied in this paper, nano‐ZnO particles show the best UV‐shielding property for coatings. However, it seems that good UV‐shielding property of nanocomposite coatings meanwhile usually means the reduction of the transparency of the coatings for the application of nanopowder.

Keywords:

• Nanoparticles
• Dispersion
• UV‐VIS property
• Coatings

Acknowledgments

We would like to thank the National ‘863’ Foundation, Shanghai Nano Special Foundation, the Key Project of China Educational Ministry, the Doctoral Foundation of University, Trans‐century Outstanding Talented Person Foundation of China Educational Ministry, and Shanghai Shuguang Foundation for financial support for this research.