Incorporation of an indole-3 butyric acid modified clay in epoxy resin for corrosion protection of carbon steel

In the present work, indole-3 butyric acid (IBA) was inserted between montmorillonite clay platelets by cation exchange. The clay treated with the organic compound (IBA-modified clay) was then dispersed in an epoxy resin at a low concentration (2 wt.%). IBA was chosen to act both as an inhibitor and an adherence promoter. The effect of the IBA-modified clay on the microstructure and on the protective properties of the epoxy coating deposited on carbon steel was evaluated by a thermostimulated-current (TSC) method and by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The TSC measurements showed the specific action of IBA-modified clay which decreased the molecular mobility of the polymer chain by comparison with the pure epoxy. Impedance measurements corroborated the role of the modified clay on the barrier properties of the coating which remained high as a function of exposure time in a 0.5 M NaCl solution. The corrosion resistance of the carbon steel coated with the epoxy resin containing IBA-modified clay was significantly higher than that obtained with the clear coat. Polarization curves plotted in the presence of an artificial defect demonstrated the inhibitive role of IBA at the carbon steel/coating interface. The good adherence of the coating was seen during salt spray test.