Electrochemical synthesis of polypyrrole-Al2O3 composite coating on 316 stainless steel for corrosion protection

Abstract

Polypyrrole (PPy)-Al2O3 composite coating was electrochemically deposited on 316 stainless steel (316 SS) by cyclic voltammetry technique. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) were employed to understand the morphology and composition of the PPy-Al2O3 coated SS. The corrosion protection ability of the PPy-Al2O3 coating was studied using open circuit potential (Eocp)-time measurements, polarization curves, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) after the electrodes had been immersed in a 3.5 wt% NaCl solution as the corrosive media. The results showed that PPy-Al2O3 composite coatings have a homogeneous and smooth surface without detectable cracks. Anodic polarization analysis revealed that the hybrid films provided an exceptional barrier and corrosion protection in comparison with PPy coating. The EIS studies indicated that the charge transfer resistance increases with the presence of PPy-Al2O3. PPy-Al2O3 composite coating provides better corrosion protection and can be considered as a coating material to protect 316SS. With increase in Al2O3/Py mole ratio, PPy-Al2O3 coatings tend to exhibit a better corrosion resistance ability.