Investigation on the enhanced process and mechanism of laccase-like Cu-MOF-induced curing of raw lacquer
摘要
Laccase-catalyzed drying of raw lacquer (RL) is highly sensitive to ambient humidity. To reduce the dependency of RL drying on laccase, preparing synthetic laccase-like becomes crucial. Inspired by the coordination structure of laccase Cu active center, a Cu-MOF with Cu–N bonds was designed and synthesized as a laccase-like. Using a physical blending method, Cu-MOF was incorporated into RL at specific ratios to catalyze the polymerization of RL. FTIR and 1H NMR studies were employed to investigate the effects of Cu-MOF on the particular structures of urushiol and its reaction groups under room temperature conditions. The lacquer films were characterized using FTIR, SEM, and TA, while the coatings’ physical and mechanical properties and corrosion resistance were also evaluated. The results showed that the addition of an appropriate amount of Cu-MOF effectively promoted the polymerization of raw lacquer, and the curing rate was unaffected by environmental humidity at room temperature. Furthermore, Cu-MOF improved the adhesion, hydrophobicity, thermal stability, and salt resistance of the coating. FTIR and 1H NMR analyses revealed that Cu-MOF primarily catalyzed the oxidation of the hydroxyl group of urushiol into quinone free radicals and promoted polymerization at positions on the benzene ring and side chains. Thus, Cu-MOF plays a critical role in optimizing the drying of RL and reducing its dependence on environmental conditions.