Nanocomposite glass coatings containing hexagonal boron nitride nanoparticles

Glass coatings composed of SiO2-K2O-Li2O, containing non-modified and fluorosilane modified hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) nanoparticles, were prepared on stainless steel plates through sol-gel spin-coating method. Coatings were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA). 1.3-2.5 μm thick uniform coatings were obtained after curing at 500 °C for 1 h. The coatings adhered well to the steel substrates. It was determined by salt spray tests that the coatings enhance corrosion resistance. The aim of hydrophobic fluorosilane modification of hBN nanoparticles was to enrich hBN quantity on the top surface of the coatings. Coatings containing fluorosilane modified hBN nanoparticles presented slightly lower friction coefficient values than the other coatings. © 2016 Elsevier Ltd and Techna Group S.r.l. All rights reserve