Vibrational spectroscopic studies of (3-mercaptopropyl)trimethoxylsilane sol–gel and its coating

Organosilane sol–gels have been prepared under different conditions from mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane (MPTMS) and mercaptopropyltriethoxysilane (MPTES). These sol–gels were applied for the thin film coating on aluminum. Vibrational spectroscopy has been employed to trace and to study the proceeding of the sol–gel formation and the curing of the coated films on Al. Based on the group frequencies as well as their spectral behavior under different conditions, vibrational assignments have been made for most of the observed bands. Surface enhanced Raman scattering has revealed the chemical adsorption of MPTMS sol–gel on silver particles. Recorded reflection and absorption infrared (RAIR) spectra of coated tiles cured at different temperatures have indicated that surface reaction may occur at high temperature. The anticorrosion characters of the coated metals have been evaluated with the measured electrochemical data. Results from cyclic voltammographs have indicated that each layer of sol–gel coating would reduce the redox current across the electrode/electrolyte solution interface. Tafel plots have shown that the anodic current of the coated electrode decreases significantly and the corrosion potentials shift to the positive side.