Corrosion protection of the aluminum alloy AA7075-T6 by coatings based on polyaniline

Author(s)

Rafael Marinho Bandeira

• Document type: Doctoral Thesis
• Press: São Carlos.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Instituto de Química de São Carlos (IQSC/BT)
• Defense date: 2017-07-14

Examining board members

Germano Tremiliosi Filho; Debora Goncalves; Hercilio Gomes de Melo

• Advisor: Germano Tremiliosi Filho

Abstract

In this study, an aluminum alloy (AA7075-T6) was coated with polyaniline (PANI) and polyaniline/polyvinyl chloride (PANI/PVC in 1:1 ratio by mass) blend coatings of different thickness. These coatings were evaluated for their ability to protect the aluminum alloy against corrosion. For studying the corrosion of aluminum alloy in saline environment, a 3.5% NaCl solution was used in all the corrosion tests. The thickness of PANI-based films was varied between 5 to 35 µm and the effect of film thickness, roughness and hydrophobicity on the corrosion protection properties of the coatings was evaluated. The coatings with thickness between 12 and 23 µm exhibited lower roughness, higher contact angles and better corrosion protection as confirmed by electrochemical measurements such as electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and linear polarization. Morphological analysis by scanning electron microscopy confirmed that the PANI coatings are homogeneous and present almost no defects upon exposure to the corrosive environment. Compared to pure PANI coatings, the coatings consisting of PANI/PVC blend presented better performance against corrosion. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and linear polarization measurements showed that the blends have high polarization resistance with stable corrosion potentials that are shifted to the anodic region for the electrodes with thicker coatings (26.3 ± 0.9 µm). Surface analysis by scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy and elemental analysis by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy were used to gather information that helped understanding the better corrosion resistance of PANI/PVC coatings. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 13/03483-2 - Synthesis and characterization of polyaniline/polyvynil choride coatings and it application in the corrosion protection of metallic alloys
• Grantee: Rafael Marinho Bandeira
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate