Enhancing Functionalities of Paints with Nanoparticles: A Review

Highlight

• This paper reviews synthesis, characterization, and applications of nanoparticles for enhanced functionalities of paints.
• Limitations of nanocoating were identified.
• Future trends were predicted.  

 

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Graphical Abstract

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Abstract

Nanoparticles-modified paints have shown huge potentials in a broad range of functionalities like surface protection, antifouling, corrosion resistance, self-cleaning, slip resistance, abrasion resistance among others. Consequently, they have been deployed for several industrial applications including pipelines, buildings, automobiles, electronics, among others. To further enhance their functionalities, paint industries have expended huge resources on research and development of advanced paints that are compatible and appropriate for today’s hostile environments. Studies have been conducted on the utilization of degradable biocides such as zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs), silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), copper nanoparticles (CuNPs), photocatalytic-active nano-titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO₂NPs), and silica dioxide nanoparticles (SiO₂NPs) as major additives in paints. These additives are designed to offer improved surface protection against microbial, physical, and chemical deteriorations as well as enhanced scratch resistance. However, the addition of nanoparticles to paints is not without its demerits. Nanoparticles can agglomerate within the paint matrix leading to poor surface protection. In addition, the health and safety concerns from human exposure to emissions of nanoparticles must be adequately addressed. A few reported studies on the toxicology of nanoparticles are either short-termed or having variant or inconclusive results. This paper reports a critical assessment of nanoparticles as additives in paints. Extensive characterization of nanoparticle-modified paints is reported while the implications on the environment are also explored. New directions, targeting enhanced functionalities and lower toxicity, are proposed.

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