Effect of Various Spinel Ferrite Nanopigments Modified by Amino Propyl Trimethoxy Silane on the Corrosion Inhibition Properties of the Epoxy Nanocomposites

A series of ferrite spinel nanopigments doped with various elements were synthesized via a surfactant-assisted solvothermal method. Then, they were modified with 3-amino propyl trimethoxy silane (APTMS) and characterized by x-ray diffraction analysis, thermal gravimetric analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy. The unmodified and APTMS modified spinel nanopigments were incorporated into epoxy coatings and their inhibition properties were studied by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and salt spray test. Results showed that the APTMS modified ZnFe₂O₄ nanopigment resulted in greater improvement of the barrier action and inhibitive properties of the epoxy coating than Fe₃O₄ nanopigment.