Unique coating formulation for corrosion and microbial prevention of mild steel

TGBAPB matrix material along with functionalized (F-ZnO) and non-functionalized (N-ZnO) nano ZnO as reinforcements was used to develop two unique skeletally modified tetra functional epoxy nano-hybrid coatings. The formation of N-ZnO was confirmed by TEM analysis. Amine functionalization of ZnO nanoparticle on its surface was achieved by grafting 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) as coupling agent. The FT-IR spectra revealed that the silane coupling agent was covalently bonded to the surface of ZnO nanoparticles, offering better dispersibility and compatibility with TGBAPB epoxy matrix. The effect of surface functionalization of nano ZnO towards corrosion resistance investigated by electrochemical impedance (EIS) indicates that the coating film had good corrosion resistance. Furthermore, the antimicrobial test indicated that F-ZnO-TGBAPB coating had strong antimicrobial activity against high concentration of Escherichia coli (Gram-negative) bacteria. Thus the TGBAPB-F-ZnO coating formulation appears to be unique by preventing both corrosion and bacterial growth.