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A mechanistic investigation of polyaniline corrosion protection using the scanning reference electrode technique

Journal Article · · Journal of the Electrochemical Society
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1149/1.1392535· OSTI ID:20001084

Growing environmental concerns regarding the use of heavy metals in coating formulations have lead to a new coating strategy employing inherently conducting polymers (ICPs), such as polyaniline (PANI), as a key component. The principal potential advantage offered by the ICP coating technology is toleration of pinholes and minor scratches. This paper describes the application of the scanning reference electrode technique (SRET) to the study of PANI coatings on carbon steel. SRET results demonstrate that conductive PANI passivates pinhole defects in coatings on carbon steel. In addition, it is shown that phosphonic acid salts of PANI are more effective for corrosion protection than sulfonic acid salts. A model is proposed which entails passivation of the metal surface through anodization of the metal by PANI and formation of an insoluble iron-dopant salt at the metal surface.

Research Organization:
Monsanto Co., St. Louis, MO (US)
OSTI ID:
20001084
Journal Information:
Journal of the Electrochemical Society, Journal Name: Journal of the Electrochemical Society Journal Issue: 10 Vol. 146; ISSN 0013-4651; ISSN JESOAN
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English