Synthesis and Characterization of Micaceous Iron Oxide/Polypyrrole Composite Pigments and Their Application for Corrosion Protection of Cold-Rolled Steel

Abstract

Novel hybrid composite pigments consisting of micaceous iron oxide (MIOX) and polypyrrole (PPy) were synthesized using a chemical oxidative polymerization method and water as a reaction medium. Three different particle sizes (5, 10, and 30 μm) of MIOX, namely, MIOX5, MIOX10, and MIOX30, were used for the synthesis of MIOX/PPy composite pigments. The synthesized hybrid composite pigment was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for morphology, energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) for elemental analysis, four-point probe conductivity, and conductive-atomic force microscopy (C-AFM) for conductivity studies. Density tests were also performed for the adhesion between MIOX and PPy. MIOX30/ PPy composite pigment-based coatings were formulated at 15, 25, and 35% pigment volume concentration (PVC) on cold-rolled steel and were exposed to salt spray test conditions according to ASTM B117. Corrosion performance was analyzed by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and anodic polarization. Equiva...