Synthesis of nano polyaniline and poly-o-anisidine and applications in alkyd paint formulation to enhance the corrosion resistivity of mild steel

Abstract

Protection of oxidizable metals against corrosion has now being intensively investigated, by applying or developing different methods such as coatings and conversion films; however, all reported methods involve environmentally hazardous materials. Conducting polymers have now been used as corrosion inhibitor coatings that are either chemically or electrochemically deposited on the metal substrate. The application of nanotechnology in the corrosion protection of metals has recently gained momentum. Environmental impact can also be improved by utilizing nanostructure particulates in coatings and eliminating the requirement of toxic solvents. We report here the synthesis of nanoparticles of polyaniline (PANI) and poly-o-anisidine (POA) using emulsion polymerization method in micellar solution of SDS and their anticorrosive property has been experimentally checked. The prepared nanoparticles have been characterized by FTIR and TEM. The nanoparticles of the synthesized polymers were dispersed in alkyd paint formulation for coatings on the metal surface (mild steel). The water absorption in the prepared coatings was also studied. The corrosion rate of polymeric film was determined by weight loss measurement and the surface morphology was examined by SEM. The nano PANI/Alkyd coatings showed considerable protection against corrosion than the POA/alkyd coatings.