A silane film was prepared on an aluminum alloy through electrochemically assisted deposition under different oxygen pressure levels. Surface morphology observation and corrosion resistance evaluation of the silanized aluminum alloy showed that silane film deposition was enhanced by exerting oxygen pressure during the electrochemically assisted silanization (EAS). The coverage degree and corrosion resistance of the silane film prepared under oxygen pressure increased compared with those of the silane film prepared by dipping or electrochemically assisted deposition without oxygen pressure. These phenomena were explained by the increased OH⁻ ion generation rate under oxygen pressure due to the facilitated oxygen diffusion and by the fact that the OH⁻ ions not only can accelerate the condensation reaction of the silanols but also increase the amount of hydroxyl groups on the surface of the Al alloy, consequently improving the formation of the silane film.

The presence of inherent micro-pores and micro-cracks in the micro-arc oxidation (MAO) film of Mg alloys is a key factor contributing to substrate corrosion. A composite film layer with high corrosion resistance was achieved through silanizing the micro-arc oxidation film. The corrosion performance of the MAO films treated with various silane coupling agents was assessed through morphological characterization and electrochemical tests. SEM graphs depicted that the silane film can effectively seal the defects existing in micro-arc oxidation film, and electrochemical tests indicated the significant corrosion resistance improvement of MAO film after silanization treatment.

Purpose: The purpose of this paper was to research the influence of polyaniline/montmorillonite (PANI/OMMT) composite powder content on the corrosion protection of epoxy (EP) coating. Design/methodology/approach: The polyaniline/montmorillonite/epoxy (PANI/OMMT/EP) coatings containing different contents of PANI/OMMT composite powder were prepared on steel. The corrosion protection performances of PANI/OMMT/EP coatings in 3.5 per cent NaCl solutions were investigated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The barrier property of coatings was examined using water absorption analysis. The structure and crosslink density of coatings were examined using scanning electron microscopy and differential scanning calorimetry, respectively. Findings: The PANI/OMMT composite powder could enhance the barrier properties of the EP coating and reduce the corrosion rate of the steel beneath the coating. The coating showed the best corrosion protection performance when 3 per cent PANI/OMMT powder was added to the coating. Originality/value: The research clarified the influence of PANI/OMMT content on the corrosion protection of coating from two aspects: one is the barrier performance of the coating; the other is the corrosion inhibitors for metal substrate.

The pitting corrosion behavior of HRB400 steel in various simulated concrete environments was investigated by the combination of polarization curves and statistical method. The results indicated that the chloride concentration threshold ([Cl⁻]_th) for pitting of the steel was greatly affected by pH when the applied potential exists, which is always caused by random stray current. The interaction of applied potential and chloride concentration on the pitting behavior was discussed. Finally, pitting-risk-evaluation diagrams were built up, which could be easily used to assess the pitting risk of reinforcing bars under the chloride-containing environment with stray current.

Plating processes greatly affect the corrosion resistance of electroless Ni–W–P coatings on magnesium alloys. In the present research, the corrosion resistance of electroless Ni–W–P alloy-coated AZ91D magnesium alloy was optimized by the response surface methodology. The optimum technological parameters of the plating process were determined by establishing a quadratic regression model, and the influence of these variables and their interactions on the corrosion resistance of the coating was analyzed. The optimum technological parameters of the electroless plating process were nickel sulfate concentration = 20 g/L, sodium tungstate concentration = 15 g/L, sodium hypophosphite concentration = 30 g/L, bath temperature = 60 °C, and bath pH = 9.3. Under these conditions, the coating had the best corrosion resistance. Among the aforementioned five variables, sodium tungstate concentration had the most significant influence on the corrosion resistance of the coating. Different degrees of interactions among the variables greatly affected the corrosion resistance of the coating.

Purpose: This paper aims to prepare a residual rust epoxy coating by adding different quantities of phytic acid (PA) on the surface of the rusty steel and investigate the corrosion protection of PA and its action mechanisms.Design/methodology/approach: A residual rust epoxy coating by adding different quantities of PA was prepared on the surface of the rusty steel. The influence of PA on the corrosion resistance of epoxy-coated rusty steel was investigated by means of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and adhesion testing.Findings: Results indicated that PA can substantially improve the corrosion resistance of epoxy-coated rusty steel. This improvement is due to the reaction of PA with residual rust and generation of new compounds with protection properties and increased adhesive strength effects on the coating/metal interface. The coating showed better protection performance when 2 per cent PA was added.Originality/value: Considering the structure of the active groups, PA has strong chelating capability with many metal ions and can form stable complex compounds on the surface of a metal substrate, thereby improving corrosion resistance. In recent years, PA has been reported to be useful in the conversion of coatings or as green corrosion inhibitor. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, few studies have reported the use of PA as a rust converter or residual rust coating. The present work aims to improve the corrosion resistance of residual rust epoxy coating by adding PA.