Backside SERS studies of inhibitor transport through polyelectrolyte films on Ag-substrates

► Backside SERS studied the transport of inhibition molecules through a polymer film. ► Barrier properties of polyelectrolyte films can be modified by post treatment. ► Incorporation of Ag nanoparticles induced trapping effect on the transport of MBI. ► Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy showed significant decrease in water uptake for cured sample at 200 °C.