Chemical Modification of Cu₂O Nanoparticles with Triacetoxy(Vinyl)Silane: Enhanced Dispersion, Abrasion Resistance, and Thermal Stability in Acrylic Coatings

The synthesis of Cu₂O nanoparticles (NPs) through the reduction of copper hydroxide using ascorbic acid and then Cu₂O NPs modified with triacetoxy(vinyl)silane (TVAS) (m-Cu₂O) by solution method were achieved. FTIR analysis of the unmodified Cu₂O NPs and m-Cu₂O NPs revealed the presence of absorption characteristics corresponding to Cu–O–Si linkages in the FTIR spectra of m-Cu₂O NPs, which is strong evidence that the Cu₂O NPs have been successfully modified. The characteristics and properties of m-Cu₂O NPs were determined and compared to those of the u-Cu₂O NPs. The results indicated that the modification process had an insignificant effect on the crystal structure and morphology of Cu₂O NPs. X-ray diffraction analysis indicated that the crystal grain size of m-Cu₂O NPs slightly increased, measuring 41.04 nm compared to 38.36 nm for the u-Cu₂O NPs, this change was minor. However, the m-Cu₂O NPs demonstrated enhanced dispersion into acrylic emulsion polymer, resulting in improved abrasion resistance and thermal stability of the acrylic coating. In comparison with an acrylic coating filled with the u-Cu₂O NPs, the coating filled with m-Cu₂O NPs exhibited a 70% increase in abrasion resistance and better thermal stability. Importantly, the antibacterial performance against E. coli and S. aureus of acrylic coating filled with m-Cu₂O NPs was similar to that of the u-Cu₂O NPs nanocomposite coating. These findings underscore the versatility and benefits of chemical modification in enhancing specific properties of the acrylic coating without compromising antibacterial efficacy.