Work

Transparent flexible waterborne acrylic nanocomposite coatings for UV-resistant outdoor wood protection

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: A new class of transparent, flexible, and UV-resistant waterborne acrylic nanocomposite coatings was developed via an in situ emulsion polymerization strategy for exterior wood protection. The base copolymer, poly(2-ethylhexyl acrylate–co–methyl methacrylate), was reinforced with cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) and rutile TiO₂ nanoparticles. The in situ incorporation of the nanofillers within the aqueous polymerization medium enabled homogeneous nanoscale dispersion and enhanced interfacial bonding between the inorganic and organic phases. As a result, the optimized hybrid formulation containing 0.1 wt% CNC and 0.1 wt% TiO₂ (PA2) exhibited a sixfold increase in storage modulus, a + 13.6 °C shift in glass transition temperature, and preserved 73 % optical transmittance at 550 nm. The coatings showed superior UV-shielding efficiency, excellent thermal–mechanical stability, and good film-forming ability with low viscosity. FTIR and FESEM analyses confirmed the uniform distribution and effective integration of nanofillers in the polymer matrix. These findings demonstrate that synergistic CNC/TiO₂ reinforcement via in situ polymerization can yield sustainable and high-performance transparent coatings for wood and related substrates.

Source: Materials Today Communications

DOI: 10.1016/j.mtcomm.2025.114450

Authors: Amin Jorbandian, Mehdi Jonoobi, Alireza Ashori, Zahra Ranjbar

Institutions: University of Tehran, Iranian Research Organization for Science and Technology, Institute for Color Science and Technology

Language: English

Topic: Advanced Cellulose Research Studies

Subfield: Biomaterials

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $2,830

Funders: University of Tehran, College of Agriculture Natural Resources, University of Tehran