Effect of zinc-free phosphate-based anticorrosion pigment on the cathodic disbondment of epoxy-polyamide coating

In the field of protective coatings, zinc-free pigments are proposed as promising anticorrosion compounds due to their excellent environmentally-friendly profile. In this paper, cathodic disbonding performance of a solvent-borne epoxy primer incorporating strontium aluminum polyphosphate (SAPP) as a zinc-free phosphate-based anticorrosion pigment was investigated. Regardless of the applied potential, the presence of SAPP in the coating formulation caused slower growth of the delamination area in comparison to ZP. According to the data obtained from EIS and SEM/EDX, this behavior was attributed to locally controlled pH and the precipitated film restricting active zones available for electrochemical reactions.     

The effect of benzimidazole and zinc acetylacetonate mixture on cathodic disbonding of epoxy coated mild steel

Electrochemical behavior of mild steel in the presence of zinc acetylacetonate (Zn(acac)₂) and benzimidazole (BIMIDA) was evaluated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) in 3.5% NaCl solution and compared to zinc phosphate (ZP) pigment and zinc potassium chromate (ZPC) pigment extracts. Results showed superior performance of Zn(acac)₂ and BIMIDA mixture (ZBM) compared to ZP pigment, while it introduced inferior inhibitive action compared to ZPC pigment. The epoxy coatings were formulated with ZBM as anticorrosive additive, ZP and ZPC pigments. The disbonding rate of coated steel follows the order: Blank > ZP > ZBM > ZPC. EIS results showed a complex film could be formed at the hole area for the coatings formulated with ZP, ZBM and ZPC. It is concluded that the stronger the complex film on the surface, the lesser the cathodic disbonding rate would be.     

Studying the corrosion protection properties of an epoxy coating containing different mixtures of strontium aluminum polyphosphate (SAPP) and zinc aluminum phosphate (ZPA) pigments

Epoxy/polyamide coatings were loaded with different mixtures of strontium aluminum polyphosphate (SAPP) and zinc aluminum phosphate (ZPA) pigments. Moreover, a coating containing zinc phosphate (ZP) was prepared as a reference sample. The coatings were applied on St-37 steel substrates and then were exposed to 3.5 wt% NaCl solution up to 35 days. The corrosion inhibition properties of the pigments extracts were studied on bare steel samples by a potentiodynamic polarization technique after 24 h immersion. The morphological properties and corrosion resistance of the coatings were investigated by scanning electron microscope (SEM), optical microscope, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and salt spray tests.     

Comparative electrochemical studies of zinc chromate and zinc phosphate as corrosion inhibitors for zinc

The anticorrosive performance of two inhibitive pigments, zinc chromate and zinc phosphate, was compared using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and the scanning vibrating electrode technique (SVET) in pigment extracts in 0.1 M NaCl. It was observed that zinc was protected from corrosion in both extracts. In tests using hot dip galvanised steel painted with an epoxy primer incorporating the pigments, the SVET detected the anodic and cathodic distribution along the scribes, although no significant differences were observed among the various primers. On the contrary, EIS was able to distinguish processes occurring on the metal surface exposed by the scribe in different samples. For primers with anticorrosive pigment, a time constant at high frequencies was attributed to a layer of protective nature, probably formed by metal ions from the substrate and inhibitive ions leached from the anticorrosive pigments.     

Electrochemical assessing corrosion inhibiting effects of zinc aluminum polyphosphate (ZAPP) as a modified zinc phosphate pigment

Undesirable anti-corrosion performance of zinc phosphate pigment, the classical chromate replacement, has led researchers to take modification into account. Polyphosphate-based anti-corrosion pigments as a result of modification of zinc orthophosphate have been found to function much more efficiently. This study aimed to evaluate performance of steel samples immersed in 3.5% NaCl aqueous solution-containing zinc aluminum polyphosphate (ZAPP) pigment extract compared to those involving conventional zinc phosphate (ZP) pigment extract and also no pigment (blank) using electrochemical tests such as electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and linear polarization (LP) as well as surface analysis. Impedance spectra and polarization curves revealed two different trends, showing the superiority of ZAPP pigment. Based on the results of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), presence of a precipitated layer on the surface was confirmed when steel sample was immersed into the solution-containing ZAPP.     

Electrochemical and anticorrosion performances of zinc-rich and polyaniline powder coatings

In this work, hydrochloride polyaniline (PANI-Cl) powder was incorporated as a conductive pigment into powder zinc-rich primer (ZRP) formulations in order to enhance the electronic conduction paths between zinc particles inside the coating and the steel substrate (i.e. percolation). Coatings were applied onto steel substrates and immersed in a 3% NaCl solution at ambient temperature.The protective properties and electrochemical behaviour of coatings were investigated by monitoring the free corrosion potential versus time and by using EIS. It was found that corrosion potential remains cathodic and constant for a long time up to 100 days of immersion. From EIS results, it was shown that the coatings exhibit larger impedance values than those observed with liquid or other zinc-rich powder formulations containing carbon black. From Raman spectroscopy results, it may be proposed that zinc particles in contact with PANI-Cl pigments were passivated. Other zinc particles remain still active which ensures the cathodic protection of the substrate. Moreover, coatings exhibit good barrier properties.     

The effects of zinc aluminum phosphate (ZPA) and zinc aluminum polyphosphate (ZAPP) mixtures on corrosion inhibition performance of epoxy/polyamide coating

The epoxy/polyamide coating was loaded with different pigment mixtures of the zinc phosphate (ZP), zinc aluminum phosphate (ZPA) and zinc aluminum polyphosphate (ZAPP) pigments. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and salt spray test were used to investigate corrosion inhibition performance of the coatings. The adhesion strengths of the coatings were measured by a pull-off test. Results revealed lower coating pull-off strength loss when the ZPA and ZAPP pigments were used. A significant decrease in number of blisters together with low pull-off strength loss and best corrosion inhibition properties were observed when the mixture of 80:20 of ZAPP:ZPA was used.     

The mode of action of chromate inhibitor in epoxy primer on galvanized steel

Investigations of the mechanism of the protective action of strontium chromate pigment in an epoxy primer were carried out with electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS), scanning reference electrode techniques (SRET) and water uptake measurements. Epoxy primers applied to galvanized steel were studied in a corrosion environment which models the atmospheric precipitation of European countries. Corrosion and electrochemical properties of samples of bare galvanized steel and coated galvanized steel were investigated. It was established that the protective function of the chromate in the primer is primarily due to a cathodic/mixed inhibition of the surface of galvanized steel in defect areas of the polymer coating. It is suggested that the process of leaching of chromate ions from epoxy primer into the environment takes place because the decrease in pH at anodic defect sites causes the destruction of the primer film and accelerates the dissolution of the chromate pigment.     

The impact of pigment volume concentration on the protective performance of polyurethane coating with second generation of phosphate based anticorrosion pigment

In this study the effect of conventional zinc phosphate and zinc aluminum phosphate, which represents second generation of phosphate based anticorrosion pigments, on the performance of a polyurethane coating was studied. While zinc phosphate modification was proved to be effective on the corrosion resistance, EIS data facilitated the determination of the optimum pigment volume concentration in which the coating offered the most efficient protection. The superiority of zinc aluminum polyphosphate was attributed to the release of more inhibiting species, leading to the formation of a protective layer at the coating/substrate interface. In addition to the assessment of the impact of pigment content on the resistance of polyurethane primer to cathodic disbonding, the dependency of adhesion strength on the pigment type was also studied using pull-off test.     

Improvement of anticorrosive performance of phosphate-based alkyd paints with suitable additives

The purpose of this investigation was focused on reducing the content of zinc phosphate in anticorrosive paints by means of the incorporation of low quantities of selected soluble corrosion inhibitors. The article describes the anticorrosive behavior of alkyd paints containing reduced levels of zinc phosphate, zinc oxide, and some soluble compounds used as additives (e.g., sodium polyphosphate, sodium phosphate, and sodium benzoate). Anticorrosive solventborne alkyd paints were formulated with a zinc phosphate content of 10% by volume (v/v) with respect to the total pigment concentration. In all cases, the PVC/CPVC (pigment volume concentration/critical pigment volume concentration) ratio was 0.8. Experimental paints, applied on sandblasted SAE 1010 panels, were evaluated by accelerated tests (salt spray cabinet) and electrochemical measurements (electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, EIS). The results show that the additions of small amounts of soluble corrosion inhibitors to low content zinc phosphate paint formulations enhance their performance in a very remarkable way. Perhaps, the most outstanding feature is that the employment of soluble additives allowed the reduction of the zinc phosphate content with concomitant savings.     

Zinc hypophosphite: a suitable additive for anticorrosive paints to promote pigments synergism

In this investigation, the synergism promoted by zinc hypophosphite in an anticorrosive pigment mixture is reported. This paper describes the anticorrosive behavior of a commercial pigment mixture containing zinc hypophosphite, reduced levels of zinc phosphate, and zinc oxide. The anticorrosive performance of the pigment mixture was assessed by electrochemical techniques (corrosion potential and linear polarization measurements) employing pigment suspensions. The behavior of each separate component of the mixture was also studied in the same way. The nature of the protective layer was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In a second stage, the anticorrosive properties of the pigment were assessed by incorporating it into alkyd and epoxy paints that were evaluated by accelerated (salt spray and humidity tests) and electrochemical measurements. Experimental results showed that improved anticorrosion protection is achieved in paints with reduced zinc phosphate contents as a consequence of the synergistic interaction between zinc hypophosphite and the other components of the pigment mixture.     

Characterization of active pigments in damage of organic coatings on steel by means of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy

Active anticorrosive pigments are solid additives for primers which can give further protection for areas with coating damage in addition to their barrier effect. These pigments are expected to prevent corrosion of metal substrate in coating damage by build-up of permanently passive conditions at the metal surface (electrochemical protection) and/or by build-up of solid compounds which plug the coating damage (chemical protection). Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) was applied to characterize the corrosion protection behaviour of alkyd primers containing different pigments. Impedance spectra were recorded in the frequency range 50 mHz f 50 kHz at the open-circuit potential as a function of the type of pigment and the exposure time in different corrosive media. In general, two different parts can be distinguished in the impedance diagrams. The higher frequency part is related to the insulating properties of the primer and the lower frequency part can be attributed to electrochemical processes taking place within the coating defects. The parameters derived from EIS results show that the low frequency data can be used for characterization of the protective properties of anticorrosive pigments in the presence of defects in organic coatings.     

EIS法研究3种配套涂层体系的腐蚀电化学行为

采用电化学阻抗谱(EIS)研究了由水性无机富锌底漆、环氧中间漆和氯化橡胶面漆3种涂料配套而成的3种不同涂层体系在3.5%NaCl溶液中的电化学腐蚀行为,考察了氯化橡胶面漆、水性无机富锌底漆／氯化橡胶面漆、水性无机富锌底漆／环氧中间漆／氯化橡胶面漆这3种涂层体系的阻抗谱在浸泡过程中的演化并据此比较了3种涂层体系的防护性能。结果表明,两涂层体系的防护性能比单涂层的还要差,三复合涂层体系的防护性能最好。根据涂层腐蚀电化学阻抗谱特征推测,中间漆在三复合涂层体系中起到了使底漆和面漆结合更加紧密的桥梁作用。     

Electrochemical study of protective behavior of organic coating pigmented with zinc aluminum polyphosphate as a modified zinc phosphate at different pigment volume concentrations

Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy was employed to evaluate protective performance of the solvent-borne epoxy coatings pigmented with zinc aluminum polyphosphate as a representative of phosphate-based anticorrosion compounds at different Lambda values. Furthermore, the effective ratio of the pigment volume concentration (PVC) to the critical pigment volume concentration (CPVC) was determined. To compare the function of zinc aluminum polyphosphate and zinc phosphate incorporated into coatings, electrochemical noise method as well as electrochemical impedance spectroscopy was taken into consideration. The trend and magnitude of charge transfer, coating and noise resistances plus the amplitude of the current noise fluctuation indicated superiority of the modified pigment. In order to provide an insight into the mechanism by which anticorrosion pigments improve protective behavior of coating, performance of bare metals exposed to pigment extracts was assessed through taking advantage of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and electrochemical noise method as well.     

Study on corrosion electrochemical behavior of several different coating systems by EIS

Corrosion electrochemical behavior of chlorinated rubber top coating (single-layer), inorganic zinc-rich primer/chlorinated rubber top coating (double-layers) and inorganic zinc-rich primer/epoxy middle paste/chlorinated rubber top coating (tri-layers) in 3.5 wt% NaCl solution was studied by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). A series of impedance spectra of the three coating systems during immersion were measured; and their protective properties were compared according to the spectra. The experimental results showed that, the protective properties of the double-layers coating system were even worse than that of the single-layer coating system; and the tri-layers coating system had the best protective properties in the three coating systems; epoxy middle paste had played a very important role for protective properties of the composite coating system.     

Corrosion electrochemical behavior of epoxy anticorrosive paints based on zinc molybdenum phosphate and zinc oxide

Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) was applied as a principal tool to describe the efficiency of anticorrosive epoxy paints (primers) based on zinc molybdenum phosphate (ZMP) pigment. Steel-coated samples were exposed to a 0.5 M NaCl solution. During the study the corrosion potential (E_oc) and R_p values also were monitored every 24 h. It is discussed the incorporation of micronized ZnO (1 μm) pigment to the base mixture and its positive, reinforcement effect on the protective properties of ZMP primer. The explanation is related to the izoelectric point (IEP) of ZnO particles (pH < 9), which determines their positive surface charge and electrostatic attraction with the molybdate anion. In this case the charge of the formed double layer capacitor is very high. Moreover, the mentioned attraction inhibits and saves ZnO particles from their rapid dissolution to hydroxide.     

环氧富锌/氯化橡胶涂层体系腐蚀过程的电化学阻抗谱

采用环氧富锌作为底漆、氯化橡胶作为面漆,研究了涂层体系腐蚀过程中电化学阻抗谱(EIS)的变化。结果表明,腐蚀初期环氧富锌/氯化橡胶涂层体系中底漆的厚度比例与涂层的防护性能无关,而在腐蚀中后期,随底漆厚度比例适当增大,涂层自修复能力增强,离子等腐蚀介质在涂层中的传输速度得到显著延缓,涂层吸水率和孔隙率明显降低,涂层防护性能出现短时间升高。当环氧富锌底漆为涂层总厚度的2/3左右时,涂层体系的防护性能最好,而仅有底漆或面漆的体系则不具备良好的防护性能。     

Improvement of the anticorrosion properties of polypyrrole by zinc phosphate pigment incorporation

A commercial zinc phosphate pigment was incorporated into polypyrrole (PPy) matrix during its electrochemical synthesis in order to improve the corrosion protection of polypyrrole on AISI 1010 steel. PPy/zinc phosphate composite films were synthesised in sodium salicylate medium with high current efficiency and containing 10% by weight of zinc and 4% by weight of phosphate. The influence of stirring and concentration of the electrolyte on the degree of pigment incorporation were investigated, as well as polymerisation time and applied current density. The morphology of the films was determined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and the distribution of pigment in the polymeric matrix was carried out by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The PPy and PPy/zinc phosphate films were submitted to salt spray corrosion test, weight loss test and to electrochemical measurements like corrosion potential with time. In all tests, the composite films showed an enhancement in its protective action in comparison with PPy films.     

Reduction of zinc and volatile organic solvents in two-pack anti- corrosive primers, a pilot study

For decades one of the directions to obtain anti-corrosive properties of coatings in the protective coating industry has been the use of zinc as an active pigment in the primer layer. However due to strengthening of environmental legislation the use of this metal has become an item of discussion. In addition due to the nature of the traditional low solid zinc containing formulations, formulated close to critical pigment volume concentration (PVC), it proved to be difficult to develop very high solids zinc containing formulations with comparable performance. At the moment the product range of our company contains both zinc containing and zinc free two-pack primers. Examples from both generic types have excellent track records. To determine the position of the zinc free primers in relation to the zinc containing ones a comparison study was initiated. A new high solids two-pack epoxy primer was included in this test program to check whether a solvent reduction in this range of products was feasible. In this paper the results of the comparison between a zinc epoxy primer, a zinc free epoxy primer and a high solids version of the zinc free epoxy primer, some formulation aspects and the consequences for the future will be discussed.     

Study of the anticorrosive behaviour of epoxy binders containing non-toxic inorganic corrosion inhibitor pigments

The anticorrosive performance of epoxy coatings pigmented with non-toxic corrosion inhibitors pigments was investigated in this work. The coatings used contained the following pigments: zinc phosphate (ZP), zinc phosphomolybdate (ZPM) and zinc calcium phosphomolybdate (ZCPM). For comparative studies epoxy coatings with the following compositions were made up: one only with filler (CRG); one without pigments, varnish (VR) and other with zinc chromate (ZC) pigment. The corrosion inhibitor performance of the coatings was evaluated by immersion tests in 0.01 mol L⁻¹ NaCl aqueous solutions and accelerated tests in a salt spray chamber. The corrosion inhibitor performance of the samples was monitored using open-circuit potential (E_oc) measurements and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) technique. Complementary tests were carried out using water vapour permeability of free-standing films and thermogravimetric (TG) analysis. The permeability test showed that the addition of the studied pigments did not modify the barrier properties of the free-films in comparison that pigmented with chromate. Thermal analysis indicated that the addition of the pigments improved the thermal stability of the coatings and it suggested a resin/pigment interaction. The total immersion tests and salt spray tests demonstrated that the barrier properties of the coatings pigmented with the inhibitors were not degrading as much as that pigmented with ZC. Therefore, all the three pigments could replace ZC as an anticorrosive pigment in similar conditions to those described here. The best corrosion inhibitor performance in the total immersion test was presented by the ZPM and ZCPM coatings while in the salt spray test the corrosion inhibitor performance of all the three pigmented coatings was similar, suggesting that only in the less aggressive test is possible to detect any difference between the coatings with the non-toxic pigments.