Influence of Epoxy Value on the Tribological Performances of Epoxy Resin Coatings in Seawater Environment

Epoxy resin is a kind of thermosetting polymer material with good adhesion, corrosion resistance, electrical insulation, high strength and other performances. It has great and potential application in the production of binder, anticorrosive paint and composite materials. However, the tribological behavior of epoxy resin is closely related to the epoxy value. Three kinds of epoxy resin coatings with different epoxy values were prepared on cast iron surface with a bar coater. The construction, hardness, thermostability and tribological performance of the coatings were investigated with the help of Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer, X-ray Photoelectron Spectrometer, Scanning Electron Microscopy, Nanoindentor, Thermogravimetry/Differential Thermal Thermogravimetric Analyzer, UMT-3 tribology tester and surface profiler. The results indicate that there was an increase for the friction coefficient and wear rate with the increase of epoxy value both in dry condition and seawater. The friction coefficient and wear rate of the coatings were lower in seawater than that in dry condition. The wear mechanisms of the coatings included fatigue wear, adhesive wear and abrasive wear in dry condition and fatigue wear in seawater. This work provides theoretical guidance for the design and application of high-performances coating with excellent anticorrosion and wear resistance behaviors.