Enhanced corrosion protection of mild steel by the synergetic effect of zinc aluminum polyphosphate and 2-mercaptobenzimidazole inhibitors incorporated in epoxy-polyamide coatings

This work investigates the synergetic effect of zinc aluminum polyphosphate (ZAPP) and 2-mercaptobenzimidazole (MBI) on the corrosion protection of mild steel coated with a solvent-borne epoxy-polyamide layer. The magnitude and trend of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy data over 70-d immersion in 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution indicate superior corrosion protection of the combined inhibitors compared to those containing either just ZAPP or MBI. Pull-off tests show that the combined inhibitor system provides an improved adhesion strength. The enhanced corrosion performance is correlated to precipitation of a protective layer at the coating/metal interface verified by SEM and electrochemical studies upon exposure to electrolytes.