ORMOSIL-epoxy coatings with ceramic containers for corrosion protection of magnesium alloys ZK10

This study is focused on corrosion protection of magnesium alloy ZK10. The aim of the research was the production of a hybrid organic–inorganic coating that would be a combination of epoxy resin, organically modified silicates as well as conductive polymer. Furthermore, ceramic containers loaded with corrosion inhibitor were incorporated into the coating for the improvement of its corrosion protection properties. The composition and structure of the coatings were investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, energy dispersive X-ray analysis and scanning electron microscopy. Extent of the anti-corrosion protection of the formed coatings was examined electrochemically using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The results showed that the incorporation of the containers loaded with inhibitor into the coatings improved their corrosion protection properties. Furthermore, artificial defects of 1 mm were made to the coatings with the best anticorrosive performance in order to study the electrochemical processes taking place in the scratched area and to estimate the effect of the corrosion inhibitor in the corrosion of the substrate.

► Titania containers loaded with corrosion inhibitor.
► Epoxy coatings including loaded containers applied to MgZK10.
► The loaded containers improve epoxy coatings corrosion protection properties.