The effect of adding zinc oxide nanoparticles on color change and adhesion strength of polyurethane coating on wood surface

In this study the effect of adding zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO) on color change and adhesion strength of polyurethane clear coat in Elm wood species (Ulmus glabra) investigated. ZnO nanoparticles with concentration of 0, 0.25, 0.50, 1, 1.50 and 2 wt% were dispersed in coating. TEM (Transmission electron microscopy) images were used for investigate the dispersion of nanoparticles in coatings matrix. Results of investigate the dispersion of nanoparticles in polyurethane coating indicated that the best dispersion of nanoparticles obtained in coating with 1 wt% nano. Increasing concentration of nanoparticles to 2 wt%, reduced dispersion of nanoparticles and aggregates of nanoparticles observed in coating. Investigation adhesion strength of coating showed that the highest value of adhesion was in nanocomposite coating with 1 wt% nano but increasing nanoparticles more than this content, had negative effect on coating adhesion. Results also revealed that adding ZnO nanoparticles, changed color of samples coated with nanocomposite coating but it was not significant in low content of nanoparticles.