Investigation on the effect of nano-ceria on the epoxy coatings for corrosion protection of mild steel in natural seawater

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the effect of introducing nano-ceria (CeO 2 ) particles to the epoxy coatings on mild steel in natural seawater. Design/methodology/approach The epoxy–ceria nanoparticles were coated with mild steel using a wire-wound draw-down bar method. The effects of ceria nanoparticles on the corrosion resistance of epoxy-coated samples were analyzed using scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Findings Localized measurements such as oxygen consumption and iron dissolution were observed using SECM in natural seawater in the epoxy-coated sample. The increase in film resistance (R f ) and charge transfer resistance (R ct ) values by the addition of nano-ceria particles in the epoxy coating was measured from EIS measurements after wet and dry cyclic corrosion test. Scanning electron microscope (SEM)/energy dispersive X-ray spectroscope (EDX) analysis showed that complex oxides of nano-ceria were enriched in corrosion products at a scratched area of the coated mild steel after corrosion testing. Focused ion beam-transmission electron microscope (FIB-TEM) analysis confirmed the presence of the nanoscale oxide layers of ceria in the rust of the steel. Research limitations/implications The tip current at −0.70 V for the epoxy–CeO 2 -coated sample decreased rapidly because of cathodic reduction of the dissolved oxygen. The increase in film resistance (R f ) and charge transfer resistance (R ct ) values by the addition of nano-ceria particles in the epoxy coating were measured from EIS measurements after wet and dry cyclic corrosion test. Practical implications The presence of complex oxide layers of nano-ceria layers protects the coated steel from rusting. Social implications The use of this nano-ceria for corrosion protection is environment-friendly. Originality/value The results of this study indicated the significant effect of nano-ceria particles on the protective performance and corrosion resistance of the epoxy coating on mild steel. The dissolution of Fe 2+ was lower in the epoxy–ceria nanoparticle-coated mild steel than that of the epoxy-coated mild steel resulting in a lower anodic current of steel. The increase in film resistance and the charge transfer resistance showed that the nano-ceria particles and the formation of complex oxides provide better barrier protection to the coating metal surfaces.