摘要
Newly synthesized functional nanoparticles, 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole (ATA)/SiO2–TiO2 were introduced to the polyurethane (PU) matrix. Electrochemical techniques were used to investigate the barrier properties of the synthesized PU–ATA/SiO2–TiO2 nanocomposite coated steel specimen. In natural seawater, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy experiments indicated outstanding protective behaviour for the PU–ATA/SiO2–TiO2 coated steel. The coating resistance (Rcoat) of PU–ATA/SiO2–TiO2 was determined to be 2956.90 kΩ·cm–2. The Rcoat of the PU–ATA/SiO2–TiO2 nanocomposite coating was found to be over 50% higher than the PU coating. The current measured along the scratched surface of the PU–ATA/SiO2–TiO2 coating was found to be very low (1.65 nA). The enhanced ATA/SiO2–TiO2 nanoparticles inhibited the entry of electrolytes into the coating interface, as revealed by scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis of the degradation products. Water contact angle testing validated the hydrophobic nature of the PU–ATA/SiO2–TiO2 coating (θ = 115.4°). When the concentration of ATA/SiO2−TiO2 nanoparticles was 2 wt %, dynamic mechanical analysis revealed better mechanical properties. Therefore, the newly synthesised PU–ATA/SiO2–TiO2 nanocomposite provided excellent barrier and mechanical properties due to the addition of ATA/SiO2–TiO2 nanoparticles to the polyurethane, which inhibited material degradation and aided in the prolongation of the coated steel’s life.