Use of poly(o‐toluidine)/ZrO2 nanocomposite coatings for the corrosion protection of mild steel

Abstract

AbstractThis study explored the possibility of using poly(o‐toluidine) (POT)/ZrO2 nanocomposite coatings for the corrosion protection of mild steel in a chloride environment. POT/ZrO2 nanocomposite coatings were synthesized on steel substrates through an electrochemical route. These coatings were characterized with cyclic voltammetry, ultraviolet–visible absorption spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The performance of POT/ZrO2 nanocomposites as protective coatings against the corrosion of mild steel in aqueous 3 wt % NaCl was evaluated with the potentiodynamic polarization technique and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The results of this study demonstrate that POT/ZrO2 nanocomposite coatings provide better protection for mild steel against corrosion than pure POT coatings. The corrosion potential was about 0.312 V versus a saturated calomel electrode, more positive in aqueous 3 wt % NaCl for the nanocomposite‐coated steel than the uncoated steel, and the corrosion rate of steel was reduced by a factor of almost 51. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007