Study of Metallic Thin Films on Epoxy Matrix as Protective Barrier to Ultraviolet Radiation

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

6-15-2019

Publication Title

Surface and Coatings Technology

Abstract

Epoxy based composites are widely being used in aviation, automotive and construction industries due to their high strength and stiffness to weight ratios and good electrochemical corrosion resistance properties. During their exposure to harsh environmental conditions such as ultraviolet (UV) radiation and high temperature, the epoxy matrix suffers significant degradation leading to detrimental effects on the mechanical properties of the entire composite. In this study the benefits of application of thin metallic films that can act as protective barriers to UV radiation's damaging effects on the epoxy are evaluated. Aluminum, copper, titanium and zirconium coatings are deposited on the epoxy substrates using high vacuum DC magnetron sputtering technique. All metallic coatings provided protection to the epoxy substrate exposed to UV radiation where the aluminum offered the highest and zirconium the least amount of protection.

Volume

367

Issue

1

First Page

41

Last Page

48

DOI

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.surfcoat.2019.03.062

ISSN

0257-8972

Comments

ESSN: 1879-3347

Rights

© 2019 Elsevier B.V.

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