Studying the effects of micro and nano sized ZnO particles on the corrosion resistance and deterioration behavior of an epoxy-polyamide coating on hot-dip galvanized steel

The effects of micro and nano sized ZnO particles on the corrosion resistance and hydrolytic degradation of an epoxy coating were studied. Different analytical techniques including scanning electron microscope (SEM), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), dynamic thermal mechanical analysis (DMTA) and nano-indentation were utilized to evaluate the hydrolytic degradation as well as the corrosion resistance of the coatings in exposure to 3.5 wt% NaCl solution. It was found that the epoxy coating resistance against corrosive electrolyte was significantly improved using nano and micro sized ZnO particles. The corrosion resistance of the nanocomposite was considerably greater than the one reinforced with the micro-ZnO particles. Moreover, the resistance of the coating reinforced with the nano sized particles against hydrolytic degradation in exposure to the corrosive electrolyte was considerably greater than the one reinforced with the micro sized particles. Decrease in both nano hardness and cross-linking density of the epoxy coating reinforced with nanoparticles after exposure to the corrosive electrolyte were considerably lower than the blank sample and the sample reinforced with the micro sized ZnO particles. Using nano sized particles the coating adhesion loss decreased.

► Corrosion resistance of the epoxy coating was significantly improved using nano-ZnO.
► Nano-ZnO improved corrosion resistance of the epoxy coating greater than micro-ZnO.
► Nano-ZnO improved barrier properties of the epoxy coating greater than micro-ZnO.
► Hydrolytic resistance of the coating was significantly improved using nano-ZnO.
► Nanocomosite showed greater hydrolytic resistance compared to microcomposite.