Studying the Influence of Mica Particle Size on the Properties of Epoxy Acrylate/Mica Composite Coatings through Reducing Mica Particle Size by the Ball-Milled Method

In this work, a series of epoxy acrylate (EA)/mica composite coatings were synthesized through introducing mica powders of different particle size into epoxy acrylate coatings and using an ultraviolet (UV) curing technique to investigate the influence of mica particle size on the coatings. Mica powders of different particle sizes were obtained by ball-milling for 4, 8, 12, 16, and 20 h with a planetary high-energy ball mill. The particle size and morphologies of ball-milled mica powders were characterized by laser particle size analyzer and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results indicated that planetary ball-milling reduced the particle size of mica powders effectively. Mica powders that were un-ball-milled and ball-milled were added into the epoxy acrylate matrix by a blending method to synthesize the organic-inorganic UV curable coatings. The optical photographs of the coatings showed greater stability of liquid mixtures with smaller particle size fillers. The chemical structures of EA/mica composite coatings were investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and the conversion rate of C=C bonds was calculated. The results indicated that the C=C conversion of coatings with mica powders of smaller particle sizes was higher. Tests of mechanical properties and tests using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) showed that pencil hardness, impact resistance, and coating resistance were improved due to the reduction of mica powders particle size.

ВПЛИВ ПАРАМЕТРІВ АДИТИВНОГО ВИРОБНИЦТВА НА ВЛАСТИВОСТІ ВИРОБІВ З ФОТОПОЛІМЕРУ

Purpose. Study of the influence of additive manufacturing parameters and post forming operations on complex mechanical properties of the articles formed from UV curable acrylic oligomer. Methodology. Determination of physical and mechanical properties of standard samples which was formed by additive manufacturing technics from UV curable polymer. Tensile strength and relative elongation at brake according to ISO 527-2:2012, impact strength according to: ISO 179-1:2010. Durometer hardness according to:ISO 2039-1:2001. Bending modulus according to: ISO 178:2010. Density according to: ISO 1183-1:2019Findings. Additive manufacturing parameters for stereolithography process was studied for liquid UV curable acrylic oligomer. Study was focused on influence of forming settings and post forming treatment of complex mechanical properties of final articles which was shaped as standard testing samples. Properties of additive manufactured samples was compared with the properties of samples which was cured by UV light is bulk inside shaped cavity with the same geometrical dimensions. Correct post forming treatment results in up to 2 – 3 times increase in tensile strength. Post forming treatment is necessary for achieving functional level of mechanical properties, comparable to the properties of typical industrial polymers. Study of influence of UV light exposure during additive manufacturing shows double fold increase in tensile strength but reduce overall forming speed. Impact strength increase with increasing exposure time and significantly increase with duration of post forming treatment. Post treatment operations with correct parameters can result in forming articles with level of properties sufficient for functional applications. Originality. Study was focused on mechanical properties of UV curable polymer in dependence from forming parameters of additive manufacturing process and post treatment operations. Application of correct post forming setting can lead to material properties with valuable for functional applications.Practical value Optimal parameters for additive manufacturing process based on UV curable resin and LCD exposure technology was investigated. Forming and post forming parameters significantly influence complex mechanical properties of formed articles.