Enhancement of corrosion protection effect in poly(2,3-dimethylaniline) via the formation of nanofiber materials by introducing p-phenylenediamine

Abstract

Abstract Poly(2,3-dimethylaniline) (P(2,3-DMA)) nanofiber was prepared by introducing p-phenylenediamine as an initiator into the reaction mixture solution. The P(2,3-DMA) nanofiber was characterized by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The results showed that the introduction of p-phenylenediamine favors one-dimensional growth of P(2,3-DMA). In order to compare the anticorrosion performance of P(2,3-DMA) nanofiber with that of poly(2,3-dimethylaniline) prepared without adding p-phenylenediamine (C-P(2,3-DMA)), epoxy resin coating containing P(2,3-DMA) nanofiber and C-P(2,3-DMA) was painted on mild steel, respectively. The anticorrosion property of the as-prepared nanofiber coating was evaluated by open circuit potential, tafel polarization curves and impedance spectroscopy in 3.5 wt% NaCl aqueous solution. Experimental results indicated that P(2,3-DMA) nanofiber had higher anticorrosion property compared with C-P(2,3-DMA). Hence, the morphology could be responsible for better anti-corrosion performances.