Nanoparticle-modified powder coatings for polymer substrates

 
Coatings are typically used for protection, decorative or functional purposes. Powder coating has gained attention in the last years, as these coatings show increased durability and are more environmentally friendly than wet coatings. Particularly in the field of polymers parts, there is a growing interest, but also a number of challenges, on using low temperature powder coatings for their surface functionalization. By modifying powder coatings with different nanomaterials, it is possible to tailor surface properties of the polymer part such as wettability and antimicrobial behavior. In this study, we modified low temperature powder coatings (polyester and epoxy based) with metal oxide nanoparticles (SiO2, TiO2 and Al2O3) and subsequently applied them on polymer substrates (PA and PC). The produced parts showed enhanced scratch resistance and superhydrophobic behavior. Furthermore, the powder coating material was also modified with silver nanoparticles and polymer surfaces showing antimicrobial behavior were obtained.