Plasma-treated triazole as a novel organic slow-release paint pigment for corrosion control of AA2024-T3

Triazole is effective for corrosion control of AA2024-T3 which is well known to contain Cu-rich intermetallics. However, it cannot be used as a paint pigment because of its high water-solubility. In this research, we present a novel method to modify water-soluble triazole particles using a plasma polymerization technique. Time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOFSIMS) confirmed the presence of an ultrathin polymer film on the particles. The plasma-treated triazole was used as a paint pigment in a water-based epoxy coating. Using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) techniques and immersion tests, it was demonstrated that the encapsulated water-soluble inhibitor could slowly release into the environment to protect a metal as needed. This technique is a feasible and promising method to promote the replacement of chromate pigments in paints.