Cerium oxide nanoparticles influences on the binding and corrosion protection characteristics of a melamine-cured polyester resin on mild steel: An experimental, density functional theory and molecular dynamics simulation study

This study presents the role of cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeONPs) on the corrosion protection properties of a melamine-cured polyester (MCP) resin on CeONPs-modified steel. The coating disbondment and corrosion protection performance were evaluated by cathodic delamination test and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The stronger CeONPs/MCP bonds led to strengthened adhesion, better corrosion protection performance and lower cathodic delamination rate under dry and wet situations. Furthermore, theoretical results obtained from molecular dynamics and density functional theory methods clarified that MCP resin adhered to all oxide substrates with binding energies decreased in the sequence of CeO2 > Fe2O3 > Fe3O4 > FeO.