Ionic liquids improve the anticorrosion performance of Zn-rich coatings

Abstract

In this work, the suitability of the ionic liquid 1-ethyl-3-methyl imidazolium ethylsulfate (C₂C₁imC₂SO₄) for improving the anticorrosive behaviour of zinc rich paints (ZRP) has been demonstrated. The electrochemical performance of the coating has been evaluated by means of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. These data allowed validating the use of the ionic liquid to measure the water diffusivity during inward and outward processes. The ionic liquid seems to play a positive role in the cathodic protection provided by the ZRP, as concluded from the current density and open circuit potential values. The observed improvement of the cathodic protection was attributed to the ionic liquid, whose presence was confirmed through surface characterization techniques such as FTIR, SEM, EDX and XRF.