Electrochemical and mechanical studies on influence of curing agents on performance of epoxy tank linings

Effect of different curing agents on the mechanical, chemical resistance and anticorrosive properties of tank linings based on phenolic + novolac epoxies has been studied. Proportion of two epoxies was chosen by monitoring the processing viscosity of the coating. Parts of hardener required for 100 g of the above resin (phr) was scrutinized using differential scanning calorimetry and flexibility measurements. As a result, five coatings were finalized and their mechanical properties were investigated by dynamic mechanical analyzer. Anticorrosive properties of these coatings were studied using electrochemical impedance measurements and neutral salt spray exposure test. Chemical resistance of these coatings was investigated by monitoring the weight change of the coating during immersion. Coatings cured with modified cycloaliphatic amine (amine value = 350), in spite of lower cross-link density, exhibited superior anticorrosive properties and reasonably good chemical resistance. Electrochemical impedance results correlated fairly well with actual solvent resistance property of the coating.