Evaluation of the corrosion protection performance of epoxy coatings containing Mg nanoparticle on carbon steel in 0.1 M NaCl solution by SECM and EIS techniques

The effect of corrosion protection performance of epoxy coatings containing magnesium (Mg) nanoparticles on carbon steel was analyzed using scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Localized measurements such as oxygen consumption and iron dissolution were observed using SECM in 0.1 M NaCl in the epoxy-coated sample. Line profile and topographic image analysis were measured by applying −0.70 and +0.60 V vs the Ag/AgCl/saturated KCl reference electrode as the tip potential for the cathodic and anodic reactions, respectively. The tip current at −0.70 V for the epoxy-coated sample with Mg nanoparticles decreased rapidly, which is due to cathodic reduction in dissolved oxygen. The EIS measurements were conducted in 0.1 M NaCl after wet and dry cyclic corrosion test. The increase in the film resistance (R _f) and charge transfer resistance (R _ct) values was confirmed by the addition of Mg nanoparticles in the epoxy coating. Scanning electron microscope/energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscope analysis showed that Mg was enriched in corrosion products at a scratched area of the coated steel after corrosion testing. Focused ion beam–transmission electron microscope analysis confirmed the presence of the nanoscale oxide layer of Mg in the rust of the steel, which had a beneficial effect on the corrosion resistance of coated steel by forming protective corrosion products in the wet/dry cyclic test.