The technology of nanoclay (NC) polymer composites is currently generating a great deal of interest due to its potential cost effective advantages in barrier properties. The emergence of commercial NCs opened new avenues for anti-corrosion coatings due to the high barrier to oxygen and humidity that NCs can impart to conventional paint formulations. Uniform dispersion of the NC platelets requires its chemical compatibilization with the polimer system.
In the present study, the effectiveness of NCs as barrier elements to corrosion elements (oxygen and humidity) was investigated in order to obtain anti-corrosion paints and coatings. Experimental results showed that epoxy paints with polyamide curing agent could be improved significantly by incorporation of 0.2 –2 % weight of NCs. Best results were demonstrated with a novel chemical treatment of NC developed by Nanto Protective Coating. As showed by EIS measurements, the novel NC treatment has a positive effect on the barriers properties. Characterization of steel coated samples following Salt Spray testing for 2000 hours verified the anti-corrosion properties of the nano paint composite system. In addition, the presence of the additive can influence positively the coating durability and it is possible to consider a reduction of the protective film reduction of about 20% compared to equivalent coating without additives. Considering wet adhesion (Pull off test), the coating with NCs additive show better adhesion than the standard paint (without additive). Furthermore, blister generation was significantly reduced when a low amount of functionalized NCs was included in the epoxy paint formulation.
