SELF-HEALING HYBRID SILICA NANOPARTICLES FOR ENHANCEMENT OF POLYURETHANE COATING ANTICORROSION PROPERTIES

Abstract

Corrosion, a universal issue impacting steel's longevity, necessitates innovative protection methods. Traditional coatings offer limited resistance against physical damage and environmental factors, prompting the exploration of smart coatings with enhanced capabilities which can increase traditional coating performance like polyurethane. This research focuses on mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs), known for their large surface area and pore volume, which are ideal for encapsulating corrosion inhibitors like Imidazole. The methodology encompasses synthesizing and characterizing MSNs, formulating the polyurethane coating with embedded nanoparticles, and assessing the coating's performance through various tests including electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and potentiodynamic tests. X-ray diffraction and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy analyses to confirm the successful production of MSNs, and confirming the success of the loading procedure. Results demonstrate that polyurethane coatings enhanced with Imidazole-loaded MSNs significantly improve anticorrosion properties compared to unmodified coatings. The hybrid nanoparticles not only enhance hydrophobic properties but also exhibited a controlled release of the corrosion inhibitor upon damage, effectively healing cracks and preventing corrosion. Electrochemical tests reveal that the studied new coating maintain high resistance against corrosion over extended periods, highlighting their potential in harsh environments. This study lays the groundwork for commercializing advanced anticorrosion coatings with self-healing properties, offering a promising solution for extending the lifespan of steel structures in various industries.