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Application Note 019: Effect of Saline on Epoxy Resin Paint run in Tension Geometry
Summary
Dynamic mechanical analysis (abbreviated DMA, also known as dynamic mechanical spectroscopy) is a technique used to study and characterize materials.
The use of DMA for the analysis of the a (Tg) relaxation of epoxy resin paint samples will be demonstrated. The resin used for these experiments was used as a corrosion inhibiting coating for marine applications. Samples were prepared and run as received, soaked in saline solution for 7 days and totally immersed during the measurement. Comparisons of the Tg as a result of exposure to saline solution will be discussed. In addition, secondary peaks observed in the soaked sample will be attributed.
Introduction
Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA) is one of the most appropriate methods to investigate relaxation events. The glass transition (Tg) is a key process in any material but is especially important for paint materials. The mechanical properties of paint will be dependant on the temperature that the paint is exposed to during its lifetime. For marine applications, the influence of salt water (saline solution) can have an effect on the Tg and this needs to be understood and quantified. Epoxy resin paint can be applied to an inert surface and, once cured, be peeled off to produce a film. In this application note, the paint film is run in tension geometry in the DMA.
DMA Testing
DMA works by applying an oscillating force to the material and the resultant displacement of the sample is measured. From this, the stiffness can be determined and tan 6 can be calculated. Tan 6 is the ratio of the loss component to the storage component. By measuring the phase lag in the displacement compared to the applied force it is possible to determine the damping properties of the material. Tan 6 is plotted against temperature and glass transition is normally observed as a peak since the material will absorb energy as it passes through the glass transition.
The epoxy paint samples in this experiment were run under normal temperature ramp conditions initially. To investigate the properties of the material whilst immersed in saline solution, the Triton Technology Fluid Bath was used to keep the sample immersed during the measurement.
Temperature scan of epoxy resin film.
Equipment
TRITEC2000B DMA
Fluid Bath
Circulator
Experimental Conditions
Sample: Epoxy Resin Film
Geometry: Tension
Dimensions: 5.2 (1) x 5.8 (w) x 0.2 (t) mm
Temperature: 0°C to 120°C at 2°Cmin-1
Frequency: 1 Hz
Experimental
1. Temperature scan of epoxy resin film.
The paint was applied in a thin coating to a PTFE sheet and allowed to cure. Once dry, the film was removed and cut for use in the DMA. 3 experiments were performed: (a) A sample was run with no pre-treatment in air. (b) A sample was soaked in saline solution for 7 days and run in air in the DMA. (c) A sample was run in the DMA whilst immersed in saline solution during the measurement using the fluid bath.
Results and Conclusion
The sample run without any pre-treatment (red line) shows a strong glass transition peak at about 59°C. The sample run whilst immersed in saline (blue line) shows a similar response with a small degree of plasticization indicated by a small decrease in the Tg.
The sample which was pre-treated for 7 days in saline then run in air in the DMA (black line) shows a very different response. The Tg value is consistent with the other results indicating very little plasticization of the material. The magnitude of the tan 8 is much reduced however which might indicate the sample had become more elastic. This is probably not correct as the second peak at around 100°C is almost certainly due to loss of water from the sample. This infers that the sample composition was changing as it was heated in air which would have an effect on the magnitude of the Tg observed.
These data show the value of making measurements whilst a sample is immersed in a liquid environment. Without this capability, the only option would be to perform an experiment such as the black line in the graph. This would not have given the information required and may possibly have lead to incorrect conclusions from the data.