Electrochemical and anticorrosion properties of bilayer polyrhodanine/isobutyltriethoxysilane coatings

Abstract

Abstract: This paper addresses the preparation and characterization of protective anticorrosion silane- and polyrhodanine-based bilayer coatings on a tested electrode substrate. Polyrhodanine (pRh) coatings were electrodeposited using the cyclic voltammetry technique on glassy carbon and stainless steel substrates. Isobutyltriethoxysilane (IBTES) films were deposited by the simple dip-coating method on steel substrates and then were stored in air (“aged”). The formed novel bilayer pRh/IBTES coatings were applied on the electrode surface as moderately thin (ca. 6–8 nm thick) layers and exhibited very good adhesion to the steel substrate. The physicochemical properties of pRh, IBTES and bilayer pRh/IBTES coatings were determined with the use of electrochemical, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy techniques. The bilayer coatings consisting of a conducting polymer—pRh and silane—IBTES most effectively hinder the access of pitting-causing aggressive anions (chlorides) to the surface of stainless steel and exhibit better barrier properties compared to single-component pRh and IBTES coatings. Graphical Abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.]