Enhancing anti-corrosion property of novolac vinyl ester coatings on mild steel through introduction of fluoric acrylic monomer and β-Si3N4 nanoparticles

Novolac vinyl ester (NVER) often serves as film-forming material in severe corrosion environment. Unfortunately, major hydrophilic groups gathering on the surface and voids are produced in the solidifying process, which is an intrinsic defect. In order to fulfill the hydrophobicity and promote antiseptic performance, the fluorinated NVER coatings (F-NVERs) was modified with dodecafluoroheptyl methacrylate (DFHMA) by chain polymerization reaction and different loading ratio of β-Si3N4 nanoparticles was introduced to the polymeric matrix through ultrasound approach to fabricate DFHMA modified NVER-based nanocomposite coatings (S/F-NVERs) protection system. The chemical structure, hydrophobicity and morphology were examined by Fourier-transform spectroscopy, contact angle measurement and scanning electron microscope, respectively. Moreover, the corrosion barrier property of coatings on mild steel was also evaluated through immersion and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. According to the findings, the nanocomposite coatings prepared via addition of 8 wt% DFHMA and 3 wt% β-Si3N4 were confirmed with decent hydrophobicity and optimal corrosion protection ability. Also, the effect of dispersity on corrosion resistance, among disparate addition of β-Si3N4, was systematically discussed.