Abstract

Polyaniline (PAni) was synthesized by miniemulsion polymerization. One coating solution of poly (epichlorohydrine-co-ethylene oxide) (ECO) and another of ECO and PAni mixture were prepared in a mixture of solvents and then applied on cast iron and stainless steel coupons using spin coating technique. The efficiency of these coatings to retard the environmental rust formation was studied as per the ASTM D610-01 and the rate of corrosion was determined electrochemically using a potentiostat/ galvanostat. The efficiency of these two coatings to resist the mold/ fungal growth was estimated as per the ASTM D5590-00. The results revealed that the PAni can retard the corrosion to a great extent by accelerating the formation of a passive Fe₂O₃ layer on the cast iron and stainless steel surfaces. PAni also has the ability to impede the mold growth by escalating the release of chlorine dioxide (ClO₂).

Key words: Corrosion, polyaniline, iron, stainless steel, SEM.