LAUSR

Abstract In the present work, Different high build epoxy coating formulations cured by polyamine hardener were modified by incorporation various concentrations (50, 75 and 100%) of processed micro-sized ilmenite ore (FeTiO3) as pigment to replace all inorganic solids content to form a highly cross linked ilmenite epoxy adduct in three dimensional network. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis was implemented to assure the phase identification of the crystalline ilmenite particles. Dielectric light scattering measurements were accomplished to measure the particle size distribution of micro-sized ilmenite particles. The lamellar shape of the prepared ilmenite pigment particles (FeTiO3) was illustrated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) investigation. Flaky-like nature and the arrangement in overlapping plates of ilmenite particles were confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) technique. The anticorrosion behavior of the considered ilmenite epoxy coating formulations against unmodified blank coating were studied by accelerated corrosion experiment (salt spray chamber) after 500 h exposure in 5% NaCl solution. To confirm the previous concept, the electrochemical behavior of cured ilmenite epoxy coated steel films against unmodified epoxy in oil-wells formation water has been studied by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) investigation. The mechanical performance properties for these films were investigated via adhesion pull-off, bend and impact coating tests to confirm their application efficiency. From the recorded results it was found that, the inhibition effect of various coating formulations was attributed to the flaky-like character of dispersed ilmenite particles which aligned parallel to the steel surface through the epoxy base matrix producing a shield of overlapping plates. This alignment enhanced protection by providing a protective barrier, increasing the film reinforcement and enhancing the inter-coat adhesion.