Fabrication of Polyurethane/Laponite/Graphene Transparent Coatings with High Surface Hardness

Abstract

A polyurethane/Laponite/graphene transparent coating with high surface hardness, obtained by dispersing the Laponite–graphene oxide (Lap-GO) in polyurethane for UV reduction, is reported. Lap-GO improves the hardness of the coating, where Laponite is intercalated between graphene layers through electrostatic action, preventing the re-accumulation or aggregation of graphene and ensuring the transparency of the coating. The analysis of pencil hardness and light transmittance shows that when the Lap-GO content is 0.05 wt‰ and the UV reduction is 10 min, the hardness of the coated pencil increases to 5H, and the light transmittance remains above 85%. Furthermore, the polyurethane/Laponite/graphene transparent coating also has excellent cold liquid resistance and meets specific usage standards. The prepared polyurethane/Laponite/graphene transparent coatings are promising for broad application prospects in cover and protective coatings.