Strengthening Effect of Graphene Quantum Dots as UV Blocker for Wood-polyester Nanocomposite Coating

AbstractUV radiation from the sun is one of the reasons for wood weathering. Wooden structures weathering in addition to waste of these renewable resources entails environmental and economic losses. Therefore, use of nano-additives strengthening the coatings on wooden surfaces against harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays is highly necessary. This work aims to examine the strengthening effect of graphene quantum dots (GQDs) in polyester-wood nanocomposite coating against UV radiation from the sun. To achieve this, graphene quantum dots (۰.۲wt%) were added to unsaturated polyester (UP) resin, and following the radical polymerization process, UP-GQDs nanocomposite coating was prepared. Afterwards, fluorescence effect and UV-blocking behavior in the pure UP and UP-GQDs coatings were evaluated through photoluminescence and UV-visible spectroscopy methods. Adding GQDs ۰.۲wt% to the polymer matrix resulted in absorption of ultraviolet rays in all of the UV regions and emission of blue fluorescence. Moreover, by adding GQDs to the UP matrix, pull-off adhesion strength of the nanocomposite was raised compared to the pure coating.

Keywords:

Wood-polyester nanocomposite , Graphene quantum dots , UV-blocker , Pull-off adhesion strength