Optimization of deposition voltage of cataphoretic automotive primers assessed by EIS and AC/DC/AC

The dependence of the anticorrosive properties of a cataphoretic paint with the applied deposition voltage was studied by the so-called EIS tests; an accelerated cyclic test used in the automotive industry; and a rapid electrochemical test (AC/DC/AC) which combines EIS measurements with cathodic polarizations. DSC and TGA were employed for the coating characterisation. The traditional accelerated cyclic test was unable to distinguish the influence of the deposition voltage on the anticorrosive properties while electrochemical tests found an optimal range of deposition voltage between 270 and 320 V. The AC/DC/AC test obtained the same results as EIS tests but in only 24 h instead of months of evaluation. The technique AC/DC/AC is suggested as an accelerated technique able to determine the optimum range of deposition voltages to obtain the higher anticorrosive properties of an epoxy cataphoretic primer.