Influence of silane functionalized nanoclay on the barrier, mechanical and hydrophobic properties by clay nanocomposite films in an aggressive chloride medium

Abstract

The surface alteration of silica clay by a silane coupling agent was done to improve the compatibility with epoxy polymer matrix. It can be attained with ethoxy based silanes namely (3-mercaptopropyl) triethoxysilane (MPTES), propyltriethoxysilane (PTES) and 3-aminopropyl(diethoxy)methylsilane (APDES) in order to enhance the anticorrosion potential of epoxy coatings on mild steel. The structural and thermal properties of the functionalized clay nanoparticles are studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The morphological features of the functional nanoclay were also described by employing field emission scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive x-ray analysis (FE-SEM/ EDX) and TEM (Transmission electron microscopy) analysis. These analyses showed the well functionalization of nanoclay by silanes. The well dispersion of functionalized nanoclay in the epoxy resin produces better nanocomposites which are coated on the mild steel. The coated steel samples were analyzed in terms of microstructure and corrosion resistant properties in 3.5% NaCl solution. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM), salt spray analysis, and analysis of oxygen and water permeability were applied to assess the barrier properties against water permeation, oxygen penetration and protectiveness of silane-modified epoxy coatings. It was found that all the modified coatings showed higher barrier resistance and superior corrosion resistance than pure epoxy coating, which were described by higher charge transfer resistance (Rct) 6815.36 kΩcm2 and lower double-layer capacitance (Cdl) 405.51 µF at the electrolyte/metal interface. The tensile strength was found to be 113 MPa for EP-MPTES/clay nanocomposite while the value of pure epoxy coated specimen was 41 MPa. Therefore, the silane grafted clay nanoparticles results in slower diffusion processes, which specifically slow down the anodic reaction, thus blocking the overall corrosion path. Modified clay-epoxy nanocomposite displays good thermostability, better dispersion, outstanding mechanical property and superior water resistance property. Among the examined silanes, MPTES shows an effective functionalization of nanoclay, followed by the APDES and PTES. A possible mechanism has also been proposed.