Degradation and stabilization of an aromatic polyurethane coating during an artificial aging test via FTIR spectroscopy

In this investigation nano-zinc oxide-containing polyurethane-based coatings were prepared by incorporating 3wt% nano-ZnO in the electrocoating composition. The paint films were deposited on phosphated steel panels through electrodeposition. The films were then rinsed by DI water and baked for 20min at 165 degrees C in an electrical laboratory oven. The cured films were exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation under humid condition. Variation of chemical nature, color, surface roughness, gloss, and corrosion resistance of the coatings were investigated as a function of UV exposure period. It was found that in presence of nano-ZnO particles, photodegradation reactions of the aromatic polyurethane network are delayed for a longer time. Specular gloss and surface roughness values of the exposed films are in accordance to this observation too. It was found that deep cracks are formed in the films in which no nano-ZnO is present. The higher electrical resistance value of the nano-ZnO stabilized films was found to be due to the protective effect of the particles against photodegradation of the polyurethane binder.