Smart epoxy/polyurethane/carbon quantum dots hybrid coatings: Synthesis and study of UV-shielding, viscoelastic, and anti-corrosive properties

This project was performed to synthesize and investigate the properties of the smart hybrid coatings based on epoxy/polyurethane (EP/PU) reinforced with carbon quantum dots (CQDs) with multipurpose applications. To do this, flexible and transparent polymer coatings were prepared by mixing epoxy resin and PU pre-polymer. Strengthening of hybrid coatings by CQDs (1–3 wt%) led to preparing fluorescent coatings with high protection against UV rays (85–98%), and improved tensile strength, flexibility (10–35%), and viscoelastic properties such as storage modulus and Tg. Findings of salt spray test approved that increased CQDs concentration in the coatings resulted in improved anti-corrosive behavior.