Green synthesis of Brassica leaf extract bio composite coating on aluminium to enhance surface and mechanical properties for automotive applications

In this study, a green synthesized bio composite coating was developed using Brassica leaf extract, fumed silica, and epoxy resin for improving the surface, mechanical, and wear properties of aluminium substrates. The coating was prepared by mixing the Brassica leaf extract, fumed silica, and epoxy resin in a specific ratio. After that, spin coating instrument used to apply the coating to the aluminium substrate, and it was allowed to cure at room temperature. The mechanical and thermal properties of the coated aluminium substrate were characterized using various techniques. The findings indicate that the bio composite coatings had a density of 1.099 g/cm3 and a viscosity of 10880 cP, along with a consistent and smooth surface form. The flexural strength, micro-hardness and the lap shear strength of the coated aluminium substrate were 87 MPa and 77 shore-D and 15.30 MPa, respectively. The wear resistance was significantly improved with a Coefficient of Friction (COF) of 0.36. The glass transition temperature and mass decomposition temperature were 64 °C and 299 °C, respectively. The overall results of this study suggest that bio composite coating is a promising for improving the surface, mechanical, and wear properties of aluminium substrates in automotive applications.