Utilization of ecofriendly organic nanomaterial based on prepared chitosan nanoparticles with outstanding corrosion resistance activity in primer coatings

Purpose This paper aims to synthesize chitosan nanoparticles through an ionic gelation method and study their uses as novel anticorrosive agents for protective coatings. Design/methodology/approach Chitosan nanoparticles (NPs) were obtained through an ionic gelation employing sodium tripolyphosphate. The structural and thermal properties of the nanoparticles were systematically analyzed using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The prepared chitosan NPs have been incorporated with a primer coating formula. Three paint formulations (F1–F3) based on an anticorrosive agent, and without it, were prepared. Physic mechanical characteristics, such as gloss, flexibility, dry film thickness, adhesion, impact resistance and scratch hardness, are some of the coating attributes investigated; physicochemical properties such as chemical and corrosion resistance of coated samples are also investigated. Findings The results of the experiments revealed that the prepared coatings were of high performance and durability. For gloss, bending and scratch hardness tests, all examined films indicated no significant effect of the presence of the chitosan NPs within the employed experimental conditions. Furthermore, evenly dispersed nanoparticles can enhance the impact and adhesion by providing stronger anchoring points on surfaces which increase adhesion strength. In comparison to formulation F1-based paints which showed less efficiency than those based on F2 or F3. These primer coatings have excellent chemical resistance except the alkali resistance. Moreover, the painted films based on chitosan nanoparticles showed superior efficiency after a 400-h salt spray test compared to those with free anticorrosive agent and which contained zinc phosphate. These findings suggest that the synthesized chitosan nanoparticles are promising candidates for corrosion-resistant agent applications. Originality/value Chitosan nanoparticles as anticorrosive agent for protective paint are novel.