A high-performance boron nitride nanocomposite coating with enhanced anticorrosion and flame retardant properties for aerospace applications

Abstract

The efficiency of impermeable, two-dimensional material-infused nanocomposites in preventing metal corrosion is becoming more widely acknowledged. The remarkable chemical and thermal durability of 3-(2-aminomethylamino)butyltrimethoxysilane (AMBMS)-functionalized hexagonal boron nitride (BN) sets it apart from others. This study looks into adding more graphitic carbon nitride (GCN) and functionalized BN to the polymer to make it more resistant to corrosion and fire. Electrochemical methods were used on aluminum substrates to evaluate the performance of the proposed polyurethane (PU)/functionalized BN/GCN coating in a 3.5 wt% NaCl solution. After 800 h of exposure, Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) indicated a coating resistance of 1.15 × 10⁹ Ω.cm², indicating significant increases in corrosion resistance. The protection efficiency of the composite coating was calculated to be 99.9 %. Furthermore, the coating exhibited an angle of contact with water of 163°, indicating its exceptional water repellency. The PU/functionalized BN/GCN composite had a much lower peak heat release rate than pure PU, which means it is better at keeping flames from spreading. These enhancements contribute to improved safety in potential applications. This durability is particularly important for aerospace applications, where long-term performance is critical. In short, the addition of functionalized BN/GCN to PU coatings significantly enhances the material’s mechanical, flame retardant, and corrosion resistance qualities, making it ideal for use in harsh environments such as aerospace.