Interplay of Hydrophobic Thiol and Polar Epoxy Silicate Groups on Microstructural Development in Low-Alcohol, Crosslinked Sol–Gel Coatings for Corrosion Prevention

We have demonstrated that our patented, crosslinked, sol–gel, epoxy–thiol silicates made from the combination of (a) tetraethoxysilane (TEOS, T), 3-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane (GPTMS, G), and (b) sulfur-containing 3-mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane (MPTMS, S) with TEOS in a 1:1 stoichiometric ratio form TGST (crosslinked epoxy thiol silicates) coating, which can be successfully utilized for corrosion protection low-carbon steel. Alcohols are by-product sol–gel reactions influence network formation, crosslinking density, formulation stability, volatile organic contents, regulated coatings industry. To improve environmental sustainability, series low-alcohol (LA) formulations TG:ST ratios 3:1 to 1:3 was prepared investigate microstructural development emerging interplay hydrophobic polar induced by environment. The impact on density characterized Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), Raman, XPS, viscosity, pot-life measurements. Low-alcohol (LA(TGST)) were compared, using example TGST, corresponding where alcohols retained. reduced LA(TGST) global warming quantified. glossy scratch-resistant showed 71% enhanced compared non-crosslinked hybrids.