Investigation on corrosion and mechanical behavior of sintered electrical corrosion resistance glass-reinforced polyimide composites under acidic environment

ABSTRACT

In this study, the effects of electrical corrosion resistance (ECR) glass fiber on corrosion and mechanical behavior of polyimide (PI) matrix composites prepared using spark plasma sintering (SPS) process were investigated. The morphologies, corrosion properties, and mechanical properties were characterized using scanning electron microscope (SEM), immersion and polarization tests, and nanoindentation tests, respectively. The SEM results revealed that the ECR glass particles were evenly distributed in the PI matrix. The resulting analysis depicts that the introduction of ECR particles contents (5, 10, and 15 wt%) in the PI matrix improved its hardness and elastic modulus both before and after corrosion. The corrosion rate of the pure PI was recorded to be reduced by 61.8%, 50.4%, and 38.9%, respectively, at 5, 10, and 15 wt% loading of ECR particles. This depicts that the ECR glass particles lead to anti-corrosion performance improvement of the pure PI. Finally, the findings suggest the potential of ECR filler materials in the development of novel PI composites for anti-corrosion and mechanical load-bearing applications.

KEYWORDS:

• Corrosion
• ECR glass
• elastic modulus
• hardness
• polyimide

Acknowledgments

The authors wish to thank the Centre for Energy and Electric Power (CEEP), Surface Engineering Research Laboratory (SERL), and Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) South Africa for their financial support in the course of this work.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

V. E. Ogbonna

Victor E. Ogbonna received his BEng and MSc degree in Metallurgical and Materials Engineering from Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria, in 2012, and University of Lagos, Nigeria, in 2017, respectively. From 2017 to 2019, he was a corrosion control supervisor at the Eclat Oil and Gas, Nigeria. He is currently a Doctoral student and also works as a Research Assistant at the Department of Chemical, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Tshwane University of Technology, South Africa under the mentorship of Professor Popoola. He is an author & co-author of numerous review articles and research articles in high-impact Journals and Conference Proceedings, as well as a reviewer for different Journals. Ogbonna major research interest is on corrosion control engineering, polymer engineering, and materials development/characterization for engineering applications.

A. P. I. Popoola

Prof Patricia Popoola is a Full Professor at the Department of Chemical, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, at the Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa. Prof Patricia Popoola obtained her BSc (Honours) degree in Metallurgical and Materials Engineering from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile- Ife, Nigeria; Master’s and Doctoral degrees in Metallurgical Engineering at the Tshwane University of Technology. Prof Patricia Popoola is an NRF rated researcher (C3-category) with research focus in Advanced Engineering Materials. She is an author/co-author of more than 400 Journal articles (in high-impact Journals and Conference Proceedings) and more than 30 book chapters. As a researcher, her publications have shown dedication to research and development in the engineering field, which is an indication of her ability to work independently. To date, Prof Patricia Popoola has made a lot of impact with her publications, which have been acknowledged both locally and internationally. Google Scholar Citation - (h-index 32, i10-index 183, citations 6097). Currently, she has produced thirty Masters’ and fifteen Doctoral degree graduates. Prof Popoola and her students are recipients of numerous academic excellence awards. Prof Patricia Popoola continues to network with numerous national and international scientists. Mentorship of students remains her prime objective.

O. M. Popoola

Prof Olawale Popoola is an Engineer/technologist/lecturer/author with diverse experience in the Electrical and Power Industry, Oil and Gas Sector, Shipping Building Industry, Education and Quality Management field. A Certified Measurement and Verification Professional (CMVP) with a proven record and extensive knowledge of the energy industry. An author & co-author of numerous scientific publications, as well as a reviewer for different journals. His research interest includes Energy Management, Energy and Behaviour, Renewable and Sustainable Energy, Quality Management, Power electronics application in Power Systems, New Materials as well as Laser Applications. He has made several presentations both locally and internationally. Prof Popoola has received awards, support funding and accolades for his knack and drives for research interest that contributes to sustainable energy/society, especially with a multidisciplinary approach. Furthermore, innovative product development in new materials and load management with emphasis on proficient operation/utilization, effective management, affordability, cost savings, etc. are some high points in his career.

N. C. Chere

Nomsa C. Chere graduated at Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa, doing Ndip and BEngTech in Metallurgical Engineering in 2021 and 2022, respectively. Upon completion of her NDip, she became a trainee for Surface Engineering Research Center at Tshwane University of Technology under the supervision and mentorship of Professor Popoola and Mr Nicholas Malatji. She is currently an intern at Mineral Sands Resources (Pty) Ltd, Western Cape, South Africa.