Polyaniline coating on iron-synthesis and characterization

Protective coating has been used widely for metal corrosion control. Polyaniline (PANi) films can be electrosynthesized by oxidation of aniline on a metal surface from an aqueous acid medium. In this study, an iron surface was coated by polyaniline thin film. While iron easily oxidizes in acid solutions, the electropolymerization reactions were carried out in dilute acidic media. Rust, fats, etc. on the surface of iron were removed by alkali-ethanol solution, dichloroethylene, and, finally, hydrochloride (HCl) solution (10%), respectively. Coating was carried out in different potential (1.0, 1.5, and 2.5 V). To observe the effect of elemental contents of iron samples, spectral analysis also was taken before electropolymerization. Especially, effects of chromium and nickel elements were investigated. Physical resistance of the coating was examined by band test. Dissolving and defective coatings were also tested in acidic solutions and common organic solvents. In addition, to observe the morphology of coating, photos of samples were taken by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and metal microscope (MM).