Development and preparation of oxide mixture-based pigments for anticorrosion paints

Purpose The aim of the work is to develop an anticorrosion pigment based on an oxide mixture with lamellar particles. The pigments are prepared from lamellar zinc, zinc oxide and magnetite by calcination. An alkaline earth carbonate is added when embedding a third cation in the lattice of the ferrite that forms the envelope of the lamellar zinc. The properties of the pigments are tested both in the powdered state and when embedded in an epoxy-ester system using different pigment volume concentrations (PVC). Design/methodology/approach The properties of paints containing synthesised oxide mixture-based pigments at various volume concentrations and with the Q factor – Q = PVC/CPVC = 0.65 – were examined (where CPVC is critical pigment volume concentration). A series of isometric ferrite pigments were also synthesised for a comparison. Paints of both types with PVC = 10, 15 and 20 per cent were formulated. Steel panels coated with the paints were subjected to corrosion and mechanical tests. Findings The oxide mixtures with lamellar particles were subjected to particle size analysis and found to make up a broad distribution curve. Electron microscopy photographs confirmed that the oxide mixture pigments contained lamellar particles with a surface layer. A high anticorrosion effect was achieved owing to the combination of different oxide types. Research limitations/implications The properties of the oxide mixtures with lamellar particles are described. Their particle distribution curves can be obtained by particle size analysis methods with a view to obtaining additional information on the status and properties of the pigment particles that may be useful in the development of better paints/coating materials. Practical implications Oxide mixtures with lamellar particles can be used in paints protecting construction steel. Originality/value The composition of the prepared oxide mixture-based pigments is novel. Each oxide acts by its own anticorrosion mechanism and the final beneficial effect is due to their concerted action.