Evaluation of Low-Toxic Hybrid Sol-Gel Coatings with Organic pH-Sensitive Inhibitors for Corrosion Protection of AA2024 Aluminium Alloy

Abstract

Today’s environmental needs require the reduction of the weight of vehicles, thus reducing fuel consumption and associated emissions. For this reason, the use of light alloys is being studied, which, due to their reactivity, must be protected before use. In this work, the effectiveness of a hybrid sol-gel coating doped with various organic environmentally friendly corrosion inhibitors applied to an AA2024 lightweight aluminium alloy is evaluated. Some of the inhibitors tested are pH indicators, acting as both corrosion inhibitors and optical sensors for the surface of the alloy. Samples are subjected to a corrosion test in a simulated saline environment and characterised before and after the test. The experimental results regarding their best inhibitor performance for their potential application in the transport industry are evaluated.

Anticorrosion and Antimicrobial Evaluation of Sol-Gel Hybrid Coatings Containing Clitoria ternatea Modified Clay

“…Sol-gel is known as an environmentally friendly synthesis method and is economically viable [ 44 , 45 , 46 ]. Briefly, it consists of three stages hydrolysis, polycondensation, and thermal densification [ 47 ]. The simple conditions of the sol-gel process (such as synthesis at room temperature and atmospheric pressure), high purity of the product, low toxicity, and cost-effectiveness are the advantages of this method [ 48 , 49 , 50 ].…”