Effect of modification of nanoparticle on thermal stability of nanocomposite coatings containing nano zinc oxide

A series of novel urethane/ZnO nanocomposites with modified ZnO nanoparticles contents was prepared by mechanical mixing and ultrasonic irradiation. For this purpose, surface of ZnO nanoparticle was modified with different silane coupling agent. Then the effect of surface modification on dispersion of nanoparticles, mechanical properties and thermal stability of the obtained nanocomposites were investigated. The resulting nanocomposites were characterized by several techniques. Field emission scanning electron microscopy was performed in order to study the dispersion of nano fillers in the polymer matrix. The microstructure and surface behavior of modified ZnO nanoparticles were systematically investigated by FTIR. According to thermogravimetry analysis results, the addition of ZnO nanoparticles improved thermal stability of the obtained nanocomposites. Also, the modifier of silane changed the surface hydrophilicity and effectively broke the agglomerations of nanoparticles.