Application of Coatings Based on Chitosan and Eucalyptol in the Protection of Steel against Acid Corrosion

Abstract

Corrosion is a spontaneous process that can be slowed down, though not entirely prevented, through various methods. The most common method for protecting metals against corrosion involves the application of coatings, with nearly three-quarters of metal structures currently benefiting from organic coatings. In addition to providing effective corrosion protection, modern coatings are expected to be environmentally friendly. Presently, there is growing interest in researching coatings based on water-soluble natural polymers containing active chemical compounds, such as corrosion inhibitors. One such polymer is chitosan, which exhibits excellent film-forming ability in acidic aqueous solutions, making it well suited for diverse protective coating applications. This study explores the possibility of applying a chitosan-based coating with the addition of TiO2 and eucalyptol for the protection of steel against acid corrosion. The results confirmed that the tested chitosan-based coatings must incorporate an inhibitor to have a protective effect on the steel surface, since these coatings show a corrosive effect without an inhibitor. Although coatings based on chitosan and titanium dioxide with the addition of eucalyptol demonstrate protective effects, the duration of these effects is limited. Consequently, this method of protection could be suitable only for temporary protection of steel against acid corrosion.

Keywords

• chitosan
• coatings
• corrosion
• eucalyptol
• steel