Innovative multifunctional nanocomposite coated aluminum alloy for improved mechanical, flame retardant, and corrosion resistance in automobile industries

ABSTRACT

Nanocomposites with impermeable two-dimensional materials show promise for metal corrosion protection. A coating matrix incorporating (3-aminopropyl)trimethoxysilane (AMS) functionalized molybdenum nitride (Mo₂N) enhances the barrier effect due to its chemical and thermal stability. Further improvement is achieved by adding functionalized Mo₂N into graphitic carbon nitride (GCN) within a polyurethane (PU) matrix, enhancing corrosion protection and fire retardancy. Electrochemical techniques evaluated the efficacy of aluminium coated with PU and varying concentrations of functionalized Mo₂N/GCN. The resulting PU composite exhibited superior flame retardant capabilities, reducing peak heat release rate (pHRR), total heat release (THR), and total smoke production (TSP) compared to pure PU. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) showed enhanced coating resistance (5.55 × 10^{1 1} Ω.cm²) even after 500 hours of exposure. Additionally, the composite displayed exceptional water repellency with a water contact angle (WCA) of 156° and commendable mechanical properties, including an adhesive strength of 19.2 MPa within the PU substrate. This multifunctional PU composite, incorporating functionalized Mo₂N/GCN, presents a promising option for automotive coatings, offering corrosion protection, flame retardancy, water repellency, and mechanical robustness, thus enhancing durability and performance in harsh conditions.

KEYWORDS:

• Nanocomposites
• polyurethane matrix
• coating and corrosion
• mechanical properties
• flame retardant
• adhesion strength

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability statement

The data that support the findings of this study are available on request from the corresponding author.

Supplementary material

Supplemental data for this article can be accessed online at https://doi.org/10.1080/00218464.2024.2378862.

Additional information

Funding

This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.