Low-cost mussel inspired poly(catechol/polyamine) coating with superior anti-corrosion capability on copper

• A uniform, compact and thermal stable biomimetic coatings was obtained.
• The coating exhibits superior long-term anti-corrosion properties.
• The hydrophobicity, good stability and strong wet adhesion endow the remarkable properties.

A low-cost mussel inspired approach was developed to produce anti-corrosion coating on copper substrate. Catechol (CA) and polyamine (PA) were spontaneously polymerized to form adhesive coating of poly(cetechol/polyamine) (P(CA/PA)) onto copper surface and then P(CA/PA) was grafted by 1-dodecanethiol. The SEM, contact angle, XPS, FTIR and TG results demonstrated the formation of uniform, compact and thermal stable coatings through multiple interactions and chemically grafting. Electrochemical tests indicated of Cu-P(CA/PA)-SH possessed a highest corrosion potential of −81 mV, a lowest corrosion current density of 0.15 μA/cm2, and a highest coating resistance of 57.19 kΩ cm2, and also exhibit great long-term stability whether in solution immersion or salt spray tests. The remarkable anti-corrosion capability of Cu-P(CA/PA)-SH could be ascribed to the synergistic effect of the hydrophobicity, good stability, and strong wet adhesion of the mussel-inspired coating. This study provides an effective and cheap way for material protection and may give inspiration in the fields of material, biology and medicine relating to surface and interface engineering.

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