Preparation of Transparent and Thermal Resistant Zirconia Reinforced Epoxy Based Polymer Matrix Composite Coatings

Year : 2025 | Volume : 13 | Issue : 03 | Page : 171 177
    By

    Sanjay Kumar Awasthi,

  • Kamal Sharma,

  • Aayush Gupta,

  1. Research Scholar, Department of Mechanical Engineering, GLA University, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India
  2. Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, GLA University Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India
  3. Assistant Professor Research, Department of Mechanical Engineering, GLA University Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India

Abstract

This study investigates the thermal stability, structural characteristics, optical transparency, and surface wettability of epoxy-based composite coatings reinforced with 2 wt.% zirconia (ZrO₂) nanoparticles. The composite coatings were synthesized using a dip-coating technique on carbon fiber substrates and subsequently subjected to thermal treatments at 300 °C, 400 °C, and 500 °C. Structural analysis using X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed the amorphous nature of the epoxy matrix with no significant crystallization or phase change post-thermal exposure. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy validated the successful incorporation of ZrO₂ nanoparticles and revealed shifts in characteristic Zr–O and C=O vibrational bands, particularly at higher temperatures, indicating subtle chemical modifications. Surface wettability was assessed through static contact angle measurements, which showed consistent hydrophobic behavior (contact angles ~75°) across all thermal conditions, demonstrating the resilience of prepared coatings to thermal stress. Interestingly, optical transmittance in the visible region improved with increasing thermal treatment, rising from 7-10% in untreated and 300 °C treated samples to approximately 17% after treatment at 500 °C. This enhancement suggests temperature-induced microstructural changes favoring light transmission. Overall, the epoxy-ZrO₂ composite coatings maintained structural integrity, hydrophobicity, and exhibited improved transparency under elevated temperatures, making them suitable for advanced applications in harsh thermal environments such as aerospace, automotive, and electronics.

Keywords: Epoxy-ZrO2 coatings, thermal stability, surface wettability, nanocomposite materials, optical transparency.

[This article belongs to Journal of Polymer and Composites ]

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How to cite this article:
Sanjay Kumar Awasthi, Kamal Sharma, Aayush Gupta. Preparation of Transparent and Thermal Resistant Zirconia Reinforced Epoxy Based Polymer Matrix Composite Coatings. Journal of Polymer and Composites. 2025; 13(03):171-177.
How to cite this URL:
Sanjay Kumar Awasthi, Kamal Sharma, Aayush Gupta. Preparation of Transparent and Thermal Resistant Zirconia Reinforced Epoxy Based Polymer Matrix Composite Coatings. Journal of Polymer and Composites. 2025; 13(03):171-177. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/jopc/article=2025/view=212188


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Regular Issue Subscription Original Research
Volume 13
Issue 03
Received 20/03/2025
Accepted 20/05/2025
Published 26/05/2025
Publication Time 67 Days
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