International. A new study by Malaysian scientists deals with the corrosion protection performance of nanocomposite coatings under static, UV and dynamic conditions.
The silicone-modified epoxy polymer matrix was successfully manufactured and reinforced with 1–2% by weight of SiO2, TiO2 and TiSiO4 nanoparticles. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, contact angle measurements, differential scan calorimetry, and field emission scanning electron microscopy were employed along with energy-scattering X-ray spectroscopy to investigate different characteristics of the prepared coatings. To simulate the operating conditions, all samples were characterized by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) after being subjected to different conditions.
Corrosion was investigated under static conditions, in which samples were exposed to a static electrolyte without further changes in other parameters. In addition, to study the effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation on accelerating coating degradation, the samples were characterized after being subjected to UV while statically immersing themselves in the electrolyte. In addition, corrosion protection performance was investigated after subjecting coated substrates to dynamic conditions involving continuous sample movement in the electrolyte, simulating continuous wear of coated surfaces.
Compared to static condition, the EIS results revealed the vital role of silicone resin and nanoparticles in improving the stability of the coating film against corrosion degradation in the presence of UV radiation, while poor performance under dynamic conditions was recorded for all coating systems.
Source: Journal of Materials Chemistry.
