A study of the effects of pigments and fillers on the properties of anticorrosive paints

Abstract

PurposeTo investigate the properties of coatings containing various types of fillers from the point of view of their physical‐mechanical properties and anticorrosive properties.Design/methodology/approachResearch used fillers of different types varying in morphology and/or chemical composition; these were then compared with selected pigments and zinc phosphate, an anticorrosive pigment. The following parameters were observed for all of the fillers and pigments: oil absorption, CPVC value, density, extract pH, specific surface, particle size, and water‐soluble substances. The morphology of particles was observed by means of an electron‐scanning microscope. The coatings of these fillers and pigments were formulated on an epoxy resin binder basis cured with a polyamine hardener. The coatings prepared were subjected to the measurement of physical‐mechanical properties such as hardness and deepening resistance, flex resistance, adhesion to steel, and the gloss of the coatings. The coatings containing the fillers and pigments studied underwent corrosion tests in a condenser chamber and in a salt‐spray cabinet.FindingsThe results obtained through the tests allowed the selection of the optimum filler for an epoxy coating with barrier anticorrosive properties. As per respective findings, some fillers in these coatings of significant thickness can be comparable to their zinc phosphate counterparts.Research limitations/implicationsThe anticorrosive properties of the coatings studied can also be tested in paints by means of atmospheric exposure, for instance, with the aid of a Florida test.Practical implicationsThe findings are helpful towards applications in the formulations of anticorrosive coatings of significant thickness that offer an effective barrier mechanism.Originality/valueThe research presents the results of the properties of a whole range of industrially employed fillers and pigments contained in paints. Based on this study, the formulation of steel protecting coatings can be optimised.