Abstract
The photocatalytic TiO2 coatings on bio-degradable plastic(polybutylene succinate:PBS) were prepared by HVOF and plasma spraying techniques using three kinds of agglomerated powders (P200: 200nm, P30: 30nm, P7: 7nm). The microstructures of coatings were characterized with SEM and XRD analysis, and the photocatalytic efficiency of coatings was evaluated through the photo degradation of gaseous acetaldehyde. Furthermore, for the estimation of the mechanical characteristics, wear resistance of coatings was estimated by weight loss obtained from the abrasion wear test. The results indicated that with respect to both the HVOF sprayed P200 and P30 coatings, the high anatase ratio of 100% can be achieved regardless of fuel gas pressure. On the other hand, the HVOF sprayed P7 coating exhibited largely decreased anatase ratio (from 100% to 49.1%) with increasing the fuel gas pressure, which may be attributed to the much higher susceptibility to heat of 7nm agglomerated powder. In terms of photocatalytic efficiency, HVOF sprayed P200 and P30 coatings seem to predominate as compared to that of plasma sprayed P200 coatings owing to the higher anatase ratio. However, the HVOF sprayed P7 coatings didn’t show the photo catalytic activity, which may result from the extremely small reaction surface area to the photo-catalytic activity and low anatase ratio. In addition, it was found that the thermal sprayed TiO2 coatings improve the wear resistance of PBS. Therefore, in the present study, possibility of production of further functional PBS plastic with photocatalytic performance and wear resistance by spraying of ceramics such as TiO2, was found.