Abstract
Alkyd nanocomposites have attracted great attention in the field of heavy duty coating materials. This is due to the synergistic action of both alkyds (flexibility, biodegradability, compatibility, good gloss retention, durability, weathering resistance) and nanofillers (large surface area to volume ratio). Alkyd nanocomposites show good physicomechanical, physico-chemical, anticorrosive, and antimicrobial performances and thermal stability, with application as anticorrosive, anti-fog, self-cleaning, self-healing, and antimicrobial coatings. In view of present drives and legislations towards environment-friendly coatings, alkyds have undergone modifications as waterborne, high solids, hyperbranched "greener" nanocomposites. The present chapter deals with a brief overview of alkyds, recent advances in environment-friendly alkyd nanocomposite coatings, and the effects of nanofillers on the performance (physico-mechanical, chemical/corrosion resistance, thermal stability, and others) of "greener" alkyd nanocomposite coatings.