Polypyrrole/Zn-doped TiO2 Nanocomposite for Corrosion Control of Mild Steel in 3.5% NaCl Solution

Abstract

In recent years conducting polymers (CPs) have been paid more attention as new materials for several applications. Among the various uses of CPs corrosion protection of metals has attracted the attention of many researchers. Herein, we report the synthesis and corrosion protection activity of polypyrrole and polypyrrole/ Zn-doped TiO₂ nanocomposites. Scanning electron microscopy revealed a spherical shape of the PPy. The XRD and EDX results confirmed the presence of nanoparticles in the nanocomposite. The corrosion performance of the coatings on mild steel was evaluated by corrosion current measurement in 3.5 % NaCl solution. From the corrosion current measurement using hamfield corrosion studies kit, the corrosion rate of the coating was found to be 0.156 mm/yr and 75.51 % protection efficiency after 8 days. This is likely due to the increased surface area of the PPy synthesized in the presence of the Zn/TiO₂ NPs. It is evident that the presence of Zn/TiO₂ NPs can enhance the resistance against corrosion at the steel/electrolyte interface.