Application of mesoporous silica nanocontainers as an intelligent host of molybdate corrosion inhibitor embedded in the epoxy coated steel

In this study, mesoporous silica served as a host for corrosion inhibitor. This material could adsorb and release corrosion inhibitor in different aqueous media. However, the extent of corrosion inhibitor release in the alkaline media was higher. By dispersing 1 wt% mesoporous silica loaded with sodium molybdate in the epoxy layer, a protective composite coating was produced. The corrosion properties of the composite coatings were assessed by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Results showed higher corrosion resistance of epoxy/mesoporous silica loaded with inhibitor in the NaCl media for eight weeks of immersion in comparison with epoxy/mesoporous silica. Corrosion inhibitors released from nano-containers in the response to corrosion damage at the interface zone.