Study of PANI-MeSA conducting polymer dispersed in UV-curing polyester acrylate on galvanized steel as corrosion protection coating

Polyaniline (PANI) was synthesized by chemical oxidative polymerization using methane sulfonic acid (MeSA) as dopant and ammonium peroxodisulfate as oxidizer. Coatings of PANI-MeSA dispersed in polyester acrylate resin were applied on galvanized steel and UV-cured. The UV-curing resin base was studied to provide high performance and environmental friendly coating system. Morphology and mechanical properties of the coatings were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and microindentation hardness tests. Long-term open-circuit potential (OCP) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements were performed in 3 wt.% NaCl solution. SEM images show dispersion of the PANI particles in the coating, and electrochemical studies show long term active anodic ennoblement introduced to the protective system in the presence of PANI, shifting OCP value to nobler region. The changes in impedance value of the system during long-term exposure to the electrolyte give useful information about the PANI mechanism of action in corrosion protection and indicate the redox action (changing of states) of PANI under the defects healing process.