Conductivity and anticorrosion performance of polyaniline/zinc composites: Investigation of zinc particle size and distribution effect

Polyaniline/zinc composites and nanocomposites were prepared using solution mixing method. Zinc (Zn) particles with an average particle size of 60 μm and zinc nanoparticles with an average particle size of 35 nm were used as fillers in polyaniline (PANI) matrix. Films and coatings of PANI/Zn composites and nanocomposites were prepared by the solution casting method. Electrical conductivity and anticorrosion properties of PANI/Zn composite and nanocomposite films and coatings with different zinc loadings were evaluated. According to the results, electrical conductivity and anticorrosion performances of both PANI/Zn composites and nanocomposites were increased by increasing the zinc loading. Also results showed that the PANI/Zn nanocomposite films and coatings have better electrical conductivity and corrosion protection effect on iron coupons compared to that of PANI/Zn composite.

► Polyaniline/zinc composite and nanocomposite films and coatings were prepared by solution mixing.
► Electrical conductivity of composite and nanocomposite films was measured.
► Anticorrosive performance of composite and nanocomposite coatings was investigated on iron.
► Electrical conductivity of composite and nanocomposite increases by increasing of zinc loading.
► Nanocomposite coating showed better anticorrosive performance on iron compared to composite.