Optimization of the Composition of Silicone Enamel by the Taguchi Method Using Surfactants Obtained from Oil Refining Waste

Abstract

The aim of this work is to optimize the composition of a two-component silicone enamel consisting of an aluminum pigment and a polyphenylsiloxane polymer to obtain the maximum dispersion of the pigment in the coating. The following products were used as surfactants: AS-1, PEPA, and Telaz. To assess the effect of surfactants on the dispersion of the pigment, computer-optical microscopy was used. The results of the studies showed that all the studied surfactants cause an improvement in the dispersion of the pigment. According to the degree of influence on the dispersion of the pigment, surfactants can be arranged in a row: PEPA > Telaz > AS-1. When the PEPA content in the enamel is 0.25 g/dm3, a decrease in the diameter of the pigment particles by 46% (from 26 to 14 microns) is recorded, with an increase in their specific amount by 2 times (from 258 to 550 pcs). Optimal enamel compositions allow a reduction in the corrosion rate by 11 times (from 0.6 to 0.053 mm/year) and improvement to the decorative properties of coatings (roughness, gloss, etc.). The effectiveness of the AS-1 product (obtained from oil refining waste) as a dispersant additive in silicone enamel has been proven.

Keywords

• dispersion
• surfactants
• silicones
• polyorganosiloxanes
• composition optimization
• Taguchi method