Enhancement of the surface and mechanical properties of polyurethane coating through changing the additive ratio of silane

Abstract

Continuous development in the formulation and processing techniques of polyurethane (PU) coatings improves an aesthetic appearance as well as protection against environmental factors. In this study, the formulation of PU coating with polyethylene glycol 600 (PEG600), isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI), and trimethoxysilylpropylcarbamoyloxyhexane (TMSCH) silane-based additive is optimized to obtain high scratch-resistant coating. An addition of 43.1 wt.% TMSCH in PU formulation resulted in a significant improvement in the scratch resistance and wettability properties compared with pure PU film. The homogenously prepared micron-thick coatings are characterized using scanning electron microscopy analysis and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The results confirm the presence of silane additives in the PU coating matrix. The mechanical properties improved due to the increased crosslinking networks via the formation of urethane bonds by increasing the TMSCH in PU formulation. Prepared PU coating showed combined features of transparency, hydrophobicity, scratch resistance, and mechanical strength that make it a promising candidate for household appliances.