Self-healing anti-corrosion coatings based on polymers of intrinsic microporosity for the protection of aluminum alloy

Abstract

Polymers of intrinsic microporosity (PIMs) combine both advantages of microporous structure and good processability. In this paper, we demonstrate the potential use of PIM1 in self-healable anti-corrosion coatings for aluminum alloy 2024 (AA2024). Before the AA2024 is coated by commercial top paint, it is dip coated by a solution containing corrosion inhibitor benzotriazole (BTA) and PIM1. As the solvent evaporates, a BTA loaded PIM1 film forms. It is shown that BTA can be sustainably released, especially when damage occurs. This novel coating system exhibits notable improvement in the corrosion resistance of AA2024.