Improved Corrosion Protection Due to Organic Corrosion Inhibitors in Waterborne Paint Coatings

By DR. B.D.B. TIU, DR. S.B. TIU, J.R. WANG, PROF. R.C. ADVINCULA, Dr. S. Grubjesic, Dr. A.F. Toussaint, N. Kofira, Dr. T. Gichuhi

The cost of corrosion is one of the biggest economic challenges in a number of industries worldwide. Although complete eradication of corrosion is impossible, significant reduction in the corrosion rate can be achieved using various corrosion mitigation techniques, most notably using protective polymeric coatings. In this regard, the eco-friendly properties of waterborne paints have been attracting widespread attention in recent years due to the promulgation of lower allowable volatile organic compound content.

However, these coatings are prone to increased penetration of moisture and corrosive species. To improve the protective properties of the coating, we incorporated two non–toxic organic corrosion additives into a waterborne acrylic paint formulation and evaluated their anticorrosion properties using a combination of electrochemical tests, microscopy, and spectroscopic techniques.