Studying the corrosion resistance and hydrolytic degradation of an epoxy coating containing ZnO nanoparticles

Epoxy nanocomposites containing different contents of Nano-ZnO particles were prepared. The nanocomposites were exposed to 3.5 wt% NaCl solution up to 60 days. Mechanical properties of the nanocomposites (before and after exposure to NaCl solution) were studied by dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) and nano-indentation techniques. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was utilized to investigate hydrolytic degradation of coatings. Corrosion resistance of the composites was studied by an electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Results showed that blank sample was severely deteriorated after exposure to corrosive electrolyte. Corrosion resistance of the epoxy coating was significantly improved using nanoparticles. The cross-linking density and indentation hardness of the blank sample were significantly decreased after exposure to corrosive electrolyte. Results showed that nanoparticles could significantly improve coating resistance against hydrolytic degradation. Results revealed that decrease in cross-linking density and indentation hardness of the epoxy coatings containing 3.5 and 5 wt% nanoparticles were not significant. Decrease in adhesion loss was also obtained using nanoparticles.