Enhanced Corrosion Resistance and Surface Wettability of PVDF/ZnO and PVDF/TiO2 Composite Coatings: A Comparative Study

Abstract

This study aims to enhance the practical performance of PVDF/ZnO and PVDF/TiO2 composite coatings known for their distinctive properties. The coatings, applied through spray coating with PVDF and ZnO or TiO2 nanoparticles on glass, steel, and aluminum substrates, underwent a comprehensive evaluation. Surface wetting properties and morphology were respectively evaluated using a technique involving liquid droplets and an imaging method using high-energy electrons. Potentiodynamic polarization was used to compare corrosion resistance between coated and bare substrates. Nanoindentation was used to assess coating hardness, and bonding strength was subsequently quantified. The results revealed that PVDF/ZnO composite coatings had higher water contact angles (161 ± 5° to 138 ± 2°) and lower contact angle hysteresis (7 ± 2° to 2 ± 1°) compared to PVDF/TiO2 and PVDF coatings. Moreover, corrosion tests demonstrated superior protection for steel and aluminum surfaces coated with superhydrophobic PVDF/ZnO. Nanoindentation indicated enhanced mechanical properties with TiO2 nanoparticles, with adhesion results favoring TiO2 over ZnO nanoparticles.