A comparative study between the use of nanoparticles of magnesium oxide and zinc oxide as coating for polymeric surfaces a flame retardant and corrosion resistance

This study deals with the preparation of magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgO NPs) and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) by the co-precipitation method. The prepared metal oxide was characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis, scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope, element analysis examination, and UV–Visible and IR spectroscopies. The results of these tests showed the nano size, uniform distribution, and purity of the prepared powders. They proved the appearance of cubic and hexagonal phases of MgO NPs and ZnO NPs, respectively. These NPs have 4.2 eV and 3.12 eV energy gap values, respectively. The preparation of a coating consisting of MgO NPs and ZnO NPs involves combining them separately with epoxy in ratios of 3 %, 6 %, and 9 %. This mixture is then used to cover the polymeric surface using the immersion method. The nanocomposites have been examined before and after applying a coating via different techniques including X-ray diffraction analysis, infrared spectrum, atomic force microscopy, combustion test, thermal gravimetric decomposition, thermal conductivity, corrosion rate, hardness, and tensile strength. According to the results, it is found that the immersion coating method gives good dispersion of the NPs within the polymer matrix. Moreover. When comparing the use of MgO NPs and ZnO NPs, it is found that the use MgO NPs has given better results for flame retardancy, thermal gravimetric analysis and reduction of corrosion compared to the use of ZnO NPs, which has given better mechanical properties and thermal conductivity than MgO.