Preparation of Co(II)/Cu(II) Metal-Based Metallopolymer Nanocomposites: A Protective Coating for Carbon Steel

The use of environmentally benign alternatives to replace harmful petrochemical-based polymers has been largely explored. The work reports an eco-friendly polymeric system derived from vegetable oil (Corn oil) and evaluated the impact on the functional properties due to the variation in d-orbital electrons (Co/Cu). The dispersed transition metal (TM) acts as the connecting nuclei generating layered structures using the corn diol fatty amide (CDFA) ligands that facilitate the conversion of linear CDFA into crosslinked multifunctional metallopolymers ( MP). The transmission electron microscopic images of CuXMPY show the presence of well-dispersed nanospheres (15 +/- 8 nm), however, the images for CoXMPY reveal the formation of larger particles (ca. 100 nm). The incorporation of the respective TMs influences the physicomechanical, thermal, and electrochemical properties. The energy-dispersive X-ray and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy studies confirm the presence of TMs in the metallopolymers (MPs). The XPS suggests a dominant interaction of polar N ends over O groups during the self-assembled coordination of polymers with the TM ions. The incorporation of TMs improves the crystalline nature, water contact angles (89 degrees and 92 degrees), and corrosion resistance abilities (electrochemical impedance performance) in the MPs. The work highlights thorough electrochemical studies (corrosion resistance, current, and potential values) and the importance of the TMs used during the development of functional and sustainable polymeric coating. [GRAPHICS] .

Automated summary

The study explores the use of environmentally friendly polymers derived from vegetable oil to replace harmful petrochemical-based polymers. The impact of variations in d-orbital electrons on the functional properties was evaluated using corn oil and different transition metals (Co/Cu). The incorporation of these metals improved the physicochemical, thermal, and electrochemical properties of the resulting metallopolymers.