Effect of Nanoclay on the Corrosion Protection Efficiency of UP/CuEDA2-MMT Nanocomposite Coatings Assessed by EIS Measurements

Abstract

Unsaturated polyester/montmorillonite nanocomposite were obtained and characterized. Montmorillonite (MMT) used as inorganic filler was modified with incorporation of metal complexes (CuEDA₂Cl₂). The effect of chemical modification of this clay on the mechanical properties of unsaturated polyester matrix was analyzed. The results clearly show that the incorporation of copper complexes in the clay (CuEDA₂-MMT) caused a desired effect on its final properties improving the performance of the nanocomposites. The improvement could be directly related to the dispersion of the clay inside the matrix, as shown by scanning electron microscopy. The ultraviolet-visible spectra showed that the absorbance of unsaturated polyester films increased with incorporation of complexed clay CuEDA₂-MMT, especially at wavelengths of 300–500 nm. The corrosion performance of unsaturated polyester nanocomposite coating stainless steel was realized by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The corrosion protection of steel coating UP was increased after incorporation of clay montmorillonite and with CuEDA₂-MMT.