Preparation and anticorrosive properties of PANI/Na-MMT and PANI/O-MMT nanocomposites

Nanocomposites of polyaniline (PANI) with organophilic montmorillonite (O-MMT) and hydrophilic montmorillonite (Na-MMT) were prepared. The nanocomposites were characterized using FT-IR, D.C. electrical conductivity measurement and cyclic voltammetry techniques. It was found that PANI/Na-MMT nanocomposite has lower (5.8%) and PANI/O-MMT nanocomposite has higher (29.4%) conductivity compared to pure polyaniline. Cyclic voltammetry experiments showed that both nanocomposites are electroactive. The anticorrosive properties of a 100 μm thickness coating of nanocomposites on iron coupons were evaluated and compared with pure polyaniline coating. According to the results PANI/MMT nanocomposites have enhanced corrosion protection effect in comparison to pure polyaniline coating. Results showed also that the PANI/Na-MMT and PANI/O-MMT nanocomposites have considerably different corrosion protection efficiencies in various corrosive environments.