Formation and characterisation of thin phenolic amine-functional electropolymers on a mild steel substrate

Studies have indicated that compounds of phenols and some of its derivatives are able to form polymeric structures of polyphenylene oxide when being electro-oxidised on an electrode. In this work, effort was concentrated towards finding the optimum conditions to electro-oxidise 3-aminophenol with the intention of forming a continuous thin polymer that may act as surface pre-treatment on a mild steel substrate. Since, 3-aminophenol contains reactive amino groups, it is hoped that this group can be integrated within the polymeric structure, and further increase the reactivity of the surface with organic coatings that is applied on to it, thus increasing its adhesion. Initial observation through SEM indicated that the film formed through electro-oxidation of 3-aminophenol is continuous in nature and is in the region of 3 μm in thickness. XPS indeed shows that the nitrogen may exist in the free amine state and/or hydrogen bonded amine. While FT-IR and XPS data indicated that the chemical state of the carbon can be that of COC polyoxide state.