Development of Functional Polyurethane-ZnO Hybrid Nanocomposite Coatings from Thevetia peruviana Seed Oil

The present article reports eco-friendly multi-functional polyurethane-ZnO hybrid nanocomposite coatings obtained from Thevetia peruviana seed oil (TPSO). Initially, the polyols were prepared by treating TPSO with glycerol and the formation was supported by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and H-1-NMR studies. In the next stage, siloxane functionalized ZnO nanoparticles were added to the polyol mixture in different weight percentages (0, 1 and 2 %) and then treated with excess 4,4'-diisocyanatodicyclohexylmethane (H12MDI) in order to synthesize isocyanate terminated polyurethane nanocomposites. The polyurethane hybrids were then casted as thin films and cured under atmospheric moisture. After complete curing they were characterized by using FT-IR, H-1-NMR, C-13-NMR, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis techniques. The hybrid nanocomposites showed superior thermo-mechanical and anti-corrosive properties compared to pristine polyurethane. Also, due to the presence of nano ZnO in the polyurethane matrix, the composite coatings are showing excellent resistance towards various bacterial and fungal stains.