Role of Epoxy Ring Functionality on the Structural and Surface Properties of Epoxy-Based Coatings

Epoxy-based coatings are widely used in various protective applications due to their excellent adhesion, chemical stability, and mechanical performance. The epoxy ring is a key functional group that governs crosslinking reactions and interfacial interactions within these coatings. In this study, the role of epoxy ring functionality on the structural and surface properties of epoxy-based coatings was systematically investigated. Silica nanoparticles were surface-modified using an epoxy-functional silane coupling agent in order to introduce reactive epoxy groups at the organic–inorganic interface. The modified nanoparticles were then incorporated into an epoxy coating matrix. The resulting coatings were characterized in terms of chemical structure, thermal stability, surface morphology, and wettability. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was used to evaluate the presence and possible ring-opening behavior of epoxy groups, while thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was employed to assess the thermal behavior and organic content of the coatings. Surface wettability was further analyzed through contact angle measurements. The results demonstrate that epoxy ring functionality plays a critical role in enhancing interfacial compatibility, improving nanoparticle dispersion, and tailoring the surface properties of epoxy-based coatings.

کلیدواژه ها:

Silica nanoparticles ، GPTMS ، surface modification ، hydrophobic coating ، epoxy ring ، sol–gel ، functionalization