Fabrication of Nano TiO₂-Polymer Encapsulated Fluorescent Pigments for Weatherability Improvement of Powder Coating

Fluorescent coatings have attracted attention due to their bright colors. However, they have fewer outdoor applications due to low stability, especially the poor weather resistance of the fluorescent pigments. In order to improve their weather resistance and maintain the excellent appearance, this study used polymer binders to coat a light shielding agent nano TiO₂ on the surface of the fluorescent pigment to extend the durability. Three organic binders, polyester varnish, polyurethane varnish, and polyvinyl alcohol, were selected. Each binder was dissolved and mixed with pigments and nano TiO₂ particles to make a polymer-TiO₂ layer on the pigment surface. The effects of binder types and loadings were investigated and evaluated by accelerating weather test of corresponding fluorescent powder coatings. According to SEM and ash test, nano TiO₂ was successfully coated on the surface of fluorescent pigments. The modified fluorescent pigment shows a strong ability to absorb ultraviolet rays, and the weather resistance of prepared coatings has been significantly improved compared with the original fluorescent powder coating. When using clear coat PE as a binder and setting the ratio of the binder to the nano TiO₂ of 1:2, the UV exposure time of fluorescent powder coatings can be extended by over twelve times compared to the coatings with original pigment for the same color change. This study provides an effective approach to enhance the weather resistance of fluorescent coatings and thus expand their applications.