engleski

Influence of self-assembly conditions on the properties of radiation crosslinked polymer nano coatings

A convenient way to obtain a compact, flawless coating with nano-order thickness is by forming thin self-assembled molecular layers (SAMs). Crosslinking of the SAMs hardens the coatings, reduces penetration of external molecules, improves mechanical strength and chemical resistance, as well as other functional properties making such coatings more resistant and significantly extending their lifetimes. Radiation crosslinking refers to the process where high energy radiation, gamma-rays or fast electrons are used to induce a chemical reaction that results in formation of a 3D network. If for self-assembling is performed with an environment friendly compound like a fatty acid the use of the obtained coatings would be non-toxic and completely safe for the person applying the coating, as well as the person handling the coated object. Irradiation conditions are crucial for obtaining crosslinked coatings, but also other parts of the process can influence the outcoming properties of the coatings. The aim of this study is to determine the influence of the conditions in which the SAMs are formed on copper on the properties of the radiation crosslinked films used for protection of copper in atmospheric conditions: the influence of the formation of an oxide layer on which the coatings are formed, on the conditions of the self-assembling process from an ethanol solution, and the influence of drying after self-assembling. All these steps are performed prior to gamma irradiation. Elaidic acid, C₁₈H₃₄O₂, a trans-fatty acid, is used for preparation of the coatings on copper and the obtained crosslinked coatings protective properties are studied in a solution simulating atmospheric conditions. The investigations are performed by electrochemical techniques and by Attenuated total reflectance surface-enhanced infrared spectroscopy, ATR-SEIRAS. We thank the Croatian Science Foundation (HRZZ IP- 2020-02- 4344) for supporting the research.

polymer nano-coatings ; corrosion protection ; gamma irradiation

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