Effect of pigmentation on mechanical and anticorrosive properties of thermally sprayable EVA and EVAl coatings

To study the effect of pigmentation on mechanical and anticorrosive properties of thermally sprayable ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA)/polyethylene (PE) and ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVAl)/PE coatings, red iron oxide (RIO) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) pigments at varying concentration (10, 20 and 30%) were mixed using internal mixer. Pigmented compositions were characterized for mechanical properties and water vapor transmission rate (WVTR). These compositions were applied on grit blasted mild steel surface by flame spray technique and coated specimens were evaluated for adhesion strength, abrasion resistance and resistance to corrosion by exposing them in different environments. The corrosion resistance of pigmented composition was also studied by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) technique.

► EVA/PE and EVAl / PE pigmented with red iron oxide (RIO) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) at varying percentage.
► Pigmented compositions showed improved mechanical properties and decreased water vapour transmission rate (WVTR).
► Specimens coated by flame spray technique evaluated for resistance to corrosion.
► Pigmentation (RIO and TiO2) did not influence adhesion strength, but showed improvement in abrasion resistance.
► EVA/PE with 20% RIO showed maximum corrosion resistance.