Preparation of ultraviolet-cured nanocomposite coatings for protecting against corrosion of metal substrates

A cycloaliphatic di-epoxy monomer was used to prepare ultraviolet-cured coatings, in the presence of montmorillonites, either commercially available, or modified on purpose (Cloisite Na +, Cloisite 30B), dispersed at two different concentrations (5% and 10% w/w). The corrosion resistance of the ultraviolet-cured films coated on a metal substrate was investigated with electrochemical techniques and compared to the behaviour of the neat ultraviolet-cured epoxy resin films. The coatings showed different stability as revealed by the measurements of the barrier properties depending on the type of nanoclay used. Changing the modifier employed the coatings exhibited intercalated or exfoliated morphologies, as assessed by electron microscopy analysis and confirmed by X-ray diffraction results; the prevention of corrosion was proved dependent on the morphology.