Synthesis of Chitosan/Nickel oxide Nanocomposite for Corrosion Prevention of Copper in NaCl Solution

Abstract

Chitosan (CTS) is an important natural biopolymer and is used in many applications. However, the performance of CTS against corrosion of metals is questioned due to its fast degradation. The degradation can be slowed down by the incorporation of nanoparticles (NPs) into CTS matrix. In the present work, nickel oxide (NiO) NPs have been synthesized and used for making chitosan/NiO nano composite (CTSC). The prepared NiO NPs were investigated by Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns. The investigation confirms the successful formation of NiO NPs. The CTS solution is made by soaking it in aqueous citric acid. In this solution, NiO NPs are added and ultrasonicated for CTS/NiO nano composite formation (CTSC). The confirmation of CTSC formation is done by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). For corrosion testing, the Copper (Cu) strips have been coated with CTS and CTSC solutions through the drop cast method. The corrosion behaviours of CTS and CTSC coated Cu strips in 0.5 M sodium chloride (NaCl) solution at 25 ± 2 °C temperature have been evaluated by Tafel polarization curve (TPC), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and FESEM. The results of corrosion testing suggest that CTSC is providing more protection to Cu than CTS.