Zinc-doped silica/polyaniline core/shell nanoparticles towards corrosion protection epoxy nanocomposite coatings

Abstract

Commercial paints and coatings can serve as a protective barrier for metallic substrates in a corrosive environment. A considerable variety of nanostructures can be embedded in a polymeric coating to achieve both barrier and active protection. This research aims to elucidate the role of polyaniline (PANI) as an active polyelectrolyte modifier for the surface modification of mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) doped with zinc cations (Zn2+). To characterize the samples, we employed different techniques, including field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), N2 adsorption-desorption, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES), rheometric mechanical spectroscopy (RMS), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), tensile, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Characterization of PANI-MSNs proved the formation of PANI shells onto the surface of silica cores, and pH triggered the release of Zn2+ at the alkaline condition. Enhancement in rheological, thermal, and mechanical characteristics revealed good dispersion and chemical interaction between PANI coated nanoparticles and the epoxy matrix. Moreover, epoxy nanocomposite coatings illustrated a dual barrier/active protection after 50 days of salt immersion.