Effective release of corrosion inhibitor by cellulose nanofibers and zeolite particles in self-healing coatings for corrosion protection

Abstract

Self-healing polymer coatings made up of different concentrations of cellulose nanofibers and zeolite particles were investigated for the ability to effectively release corrosion inhibitor. The electrochemical impedances of scratched specimens were monitored in a corrosive solution. The release behavior of corrosion inhibitor was measured via mass changes in a polymer sheet. Coatings containing both cellulose nanofibers and zeolite particles led to large and sustained releases of corrosion inhibitor. Increases in the zeolite particles connected to cellulose nanofibers increased the pH, which led to a two-step release of corrosion inhibitor that was aided by the nanofibers that served as pathways.