Coating of Epoxy resin and MMT Clay Nano-composite on Copper and Examination of their Corrosion behaviours in NaCl

Abstract

Copper (Cu) has high corrosion resistance and does not corrode much in mild environments. However, Cu may face heavy destruction due to fast interactions with aggressive media. This work includes epoxy resin (EP) and montmorillonite (MMT) clay nano-composites (EPMC) coating on Cu and testing of coated Cu in 0.5 M NaCl. The EPMC is prepared by varying concentrations of MMT clay in an epoxy resin matrix. The 1 %, 5 % and 10 % MMT clay are used for making EPMC. The structure and composition of MMT clay is investigated by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). After preparing EPMC, drop casting is used for their coating on Cu. The EPMC-coated Cu and EP-coated Cu are examined by camera images, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), Tafel polarisation (TP), open circuit potential (OCP) monitoring and FESEM. The results have announced that EPMC-coated Cu is showing greater corrosion resistance in NaCl. The maximum prevention is achieved with EPMC having 5 % MMT clay. The reason for prevention is the efficient blockage of Cu surface exposed in NaCl by EPMC.