Copper modified poly-6-amino-m-cresol (poly-AmC/Cu) coating for mild steel protection

Poly-6-amino-m-cresol (poly-AmC) was electrochemically synthesized on mild steel (MS) surface from 0.3 M aqueous ammonium oxalate solution containing 0.005 M 6-amino-m-cresol (AmC) using cyclic voltammetry technique. The synthesized film was modified by electrodeposition of a small amount of copper on top of the polymer surface from a copper deposition bath. Corrosion behaviors of both modified and nonmodified polymer films were investigated in 3.5% NaCl solution using anodic polarization curves, change of open circuit potential with immersion time (Eocp–t) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) techniques over 120 h. It was shown that, the electrodeposition of copper on top of the polymer surface improves the corrosion performance of the polymer film and gives a better corrosion protection by exhibiting a better barrier effect against the attack of corrosive environment.