Characterization and corrosion protection properties of epoxy powder coatings containing nanoclays

► Nanocomposite coatings with montmorillonite and halloysite in the epoxy matrix were synthesized. ► Mechanical and corrosion protection properties were determined for the coatings. ► Montmorillonite improved the moduli values and water barrier properties of the epoxy coating. ► Halloysite additions were beneficial particularly for ductility of the epoxy coating. ► Aspect ratio and orientation of the particles and the interaction with the matrix are important.