Polyhedral oligomeric silesesquioxanes (POSS) nanoparticle additives to polyurethane coatings

CHED 703

David Rodriguez, Thomas Mirro, and Robert Racicot. Department of Chemistry, United States Air Force Academy, 2355 fairchild Drive, Suite 2N225, Usafa, CO 80908
Nano-particle additives of various types of T8 polyhedral oligomeric silesesquioxanes (POSS) structures were mixed into an existing DEFT class H, Type 1 polyurethane coating. The coating/POSS mixes were then coated on AA2024 and AA7075 aluminum alloy substrates. Measurements of impedance spectroscopy and contact angle were made on coated samples and compared to control samples. Specific properties investigated were studies in the miscibility of nanoparticles into various coating schemes, determination of optimum loading capacities, wettability and adhesion of the coatings on the metal substrates, solubility of the coating mixture, corrosion protection, and hydrophobicity.