Electrodeposition of Cu-Reinforced Polyaniline Coating for Protection of AH36 Steel in Natural Seawater

Abstract

The marine environment is highly corrosive for mild and low alloy steels. This study aimed to enhance the corrosion resistance of the AH36 steel in a saline medium by coating it with a copper particles reinforced polyaniline (PANI) layer. PANI and Cu particles were grown on the steel surface by electrodepositing methods. Firstly, PANI was electropolymerized in the presence of oxalic acid, followed by the electrodeposition of Cu particles at different deposition times. The coating showed a well-distribution of Cu particles in the polymer matrix and excellent adhesion. Furthermore, the Cu particles and PANI-coated steels exhibited corrosion resistance significantly in the saline medium compared to the bare substrate and pristine PANI-coated samples. The improved corrosion protection of a Cu@PANI coating on the AH36 steel could contribute to forming a physical barrier by filling Cu particles on the PANI pores.