SUMMARY
This work aims to explore how micro-/nano-ZnO particles enhance the mechanical, photoaging and self-cleaning properties of the water-borne acrylic coating. ZnO particles (at 2 wt.% by weight of total solid resin) were dispersed into the acrylic polymer matrices using ultrasonication. The effect of ZnO particles on properties of composite coatings (25 µm of thick) have been evaluated through various tests, such as abrasion measurement, UV/CON weathering aging, methylene blue self-cleaning. Experimental data indicated that the incorporation of ZnO particles enhanced both abrasion resistance and methylene blue removal efficiency of the water-borne acrylic coatings, with nano-ZnO particles being the best. However, the weathering degradation of nanocomposite coatings was more severe as compared to the coating with micro-ZnO (at the same particles content).