Development and electrochemical investigations of enhanced corrosion-resistant Polyvinylcarbazole-TiO2 hybrid nanocomposite coatings on 316L SS for marine applications

Abstract

The present study focuses on evaluating the corrosion resistance of 316L stainless steel substrates with Polyvinylcarbazole (PVK)/TiO2 hybrid nanocomposite coatings (HNC). Using the chronoamperometry approach, the HNC were electrochemically synthesized on 316L stainless steel substrates, incorporating various weight (%) 1 %, 2 %, 3 % of TiO2 nanoparticles into the PVK matrix. The findings of the surface morphology investigation verified that the 316L SS had a dense and smooth PVK/TiO2 coating. A low surface roughness and high contact value of the PVK/TiO2 coatings are also responsible for the decrease in corrosion rate of the 316L SS. The corrosion protection efficiency of the PVK/TiO2 HNC were investigated through open circuit potential (OCP) measurement, potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) analysis in 3.5 wt% NaCl solution. The corrosion rate obtained from the polarization studies of the HNC coatings as follows PVKT-2 < PVKT-3 < PVKT-1 < PVK < 316L SS. Results revealed that an optimal loading of 2 wt% TiO2 nanoparticles significantly enhanced the corrosion resistance of the coating. The enhanced electrochemical impedance response for PVK/TiO2 coatings was verified by EIS experiments. The study demonstrates that the incorporation of TiO2 nanoparticles into the PVK matrix effectively creates a barrier layer at the coating-metal interface, inhibiting the entry of aggressive ions. Microhardness studies revealed the increase in hardness value of the PVK and PVK/TiO2 coatings indicated the protective nature of the coating and provided high mechanical strength to 316L SS. The tape adhesion tests carried out on the coated specimens also indicated a good adhesion of the PVK/TiO2 on the 316L SS surface.