Preparation and evaluation of a new anti-corrosive coating based on asphalt cement blended with polyesteramide resin for steel protection

Asphalt cement is a material commonly used in coating applications due to its good adhesion properties and relatively low cost. Unfortunately it has the drawback of being slow to dry. Long polyesteramide resin (PEA) is predominantly used for air-dry and force-dry industrial coatings onto metal surfaces, yet is considered to be a relatively weak material. This paper focuses on the potential synergy of mixing asphalt cement, of penetration grade 60/70, with polyesteramide resin to produce industrial coatings for steel applications, with the aim of overcoming the slow drying time of the asphalt cement and the relative weakness of PEA resin. To achieve this aim, PEA resin was mixed with asphalt cement in a range of concentrations from 3 to 12% (w/w). The prepared coating blends were characterised physically using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), while the performance of the coatings were evaluated for mechanical properties and corrosion resistance in selective chemical reagents, following complete immersion for the duration of 84 days. The results obtained concluded that generally, a blend of asphalt cement and polyesteramide resin produces an effective material for industrial coating applications. Also, 9% and 12% PEA resin content produced high-quality anti-corrosive material as compared to virgin asphalt cement. The degree of modification depends upon the properties of the asphalt and the content level of the polyesteramide.