Development of EPA/ZnO nanocomposites: Structural, physical, and electrochemical studies

Electroactive Polyamide (EPA)/Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanocomposites were made by in-situ oxidative coupling polymerization with different amounts of ZnO added in the presence of ammonium persulphate as an oxidant. The structural study of samples was performed by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Field emission scanning electron microscope, and Transmission electron microscopy. The physical properties such as the adhesion strength, surface roughness, and water contact angle were measured by the pull of adhesion test, surf test SJ-412, and Acam-NSC contact angle meter respectively. The thermal stability and porosity of EPA/ZnO nanocomposites were increased and decreased with the addition of ZnO particles. The electrochemical behavior of nanocomposites was confirmed by cyclic voltammetry. Further, the anti-corrosion property of coated samples was studied using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and Tafel polarization test in 3.5 % NaCl solution. It was observed that the nanocomposite coated sample with 4 wt% of ZnO showed the highest anti-corrosion properties (corrosion potential = −0.206 V_SCE, corrosion rate = 0.111 μm/yr).