Using X-ray tomography, PALS and Raman spectroscopy for characterization of inhibitors in epoxy coatings

Model paint materials were generated by adding a range of inorganic materials into an epoxy. The inorganic materials included inhibitors (Zn3(PO4)2 and SrCrO4) and a filler (rutile TiO2).The SrCrO4 system was characterized using SEM, TEM, PALS and Raman spectroscopy and found to have an even distribution of inhibitor in the polymer matrix. X-ray tomography was performed on the mixed SrCrO4/TiO2 and Zn3(PO4)2/TiO2 systems. A new technique called data constrained modelling was combined with the tomographic technique to produce a 3D distribution of the inorganic phases within the polymer matrix.