Evaluation of the corrosion protection properties of an epoxy coating containing sol–gel surface modified nano-zirconia on mild steel

Abstract

In this study, the effect of surface modified nano-zirconia (nano-ZrO₂) on the corrosion protection of epoxy coating on mild steel was investigated. An organosilane (trimethoxy methyl silane) was used as a surface modifier to improve the dispersability of the inorganic nanoparticles in the organic coating matrix. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) were used to characterize the sol–gel surface modified nanoparticles. The dispersability of the modified and unmodified nano-zirconia in an epoxy coating was examined by field emission-scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and salt spray were employed to assess the corrosion protection performance of the epoxy coatings. The results showed improved corrosion protection in the presence of the surface modified nanoparticles. The mechanical properties of the coatings were also found to be improved in the presence of modified nanoparticles in tensile and hardness measurements.