Effect of amino-capped aniline trimer on corrosion protection and physical properties for electroactive epoxy thermosets

A series of electroactive epoxy thermosets (EETs) containing conjugated segments of electroactive amino-capped aniline trimer (ACAT) unit were successfully prepared and characterized. Furthermore, the redox behavior of as-prepared EET materials was identified by the electrochemical cyclic voltammetry studies. Higher concentration of ACAT component in as-prepare corresponding EETs was found to lead to an remarkably enhanced corrosion protection effect on cold-rolled steel (CRS) electrode based on sequential electrochemical corrosion measurements in 5 wt% NaCl supporting electrolyte. Mechanism for the enhancement of corrosion protection of EET coatings on CRS electrode might be attributed to the redox catalytic capabilities of ACAT units existed in EETs, leading to the formation of passive metal oxide layers, as further evidenced by SEM and ESCA studies. Effect of material composition on thermal stability and mechanical strength of EETs were also investigated by TGA, DSC and DMA, respectively.