Double layer water-borne heat insulation coatings containing hollow glass microspheres (HGMs)

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to construct a double layer heat insulation coating based on hollow glass microspheres (HGMs) and to investigate the effect of particle size on barrier property and heat insulation performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The waterborne double layer coating was composed of an anticorrosive epoxy ester primer and an HGM-containing silicone acrylic topcoat. With varied HGM sizes (20 μm, 40 μm, 60 μm and a 1:3 w/w mixture of 20 and 60 μm particles), the coating was immersed in 3.5 wt% NaCl solution for 28 days and was then subjected to a salt spray test for 450 h. The barrier properties of the coating were evaluated through electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Heat insulation performance was examined using a self-made device.

Findings

The addition of HGMs decreased the barrier properties of the coating by creating particle/resin interfaces for water penetration. In the HGMs-containing coatings, the use of larger HGMs showed relatively good barrier properties because of the lower particle density. The coating with smaller particles yielded a higher heat insulating capacity as indicated by lower equilibrium temperatures.

Research limitations/implications

Future work will be focused on improving the barrier properties of the coating. Field exposure tests should also be performed to assess the long-term performance of the coating.

Practical implications

The mechanical properties of the coatings in this study also implied that HGMs can be used to develop scratch-resistant and impact-resistant coatings. Other potential applications for further studies include the uses of HGMs for coatings with improved fire retardancy and electromagnetic interference shielding.

Originality/value

A double layer coating was developed to provide balanced performance on both anticorrosion and heat insulation. The effects of HGM size were particularly highlighted.

Citation

Zhang, D., Li, H., Qian, H., Wang, L. and Li, X. (2016), "Double layer water-borne heat insulation coatings containing hollow glass microspheres (HGMs)", Pigment & Resin Technology, Vol. 45 No. 5, pp. 346-353. https://doi.org/10.1108/PRT-04-2015-0041