Polyimide, polybenzimidazole-in situ-polyaniline nanoparticle and carbon nano-onion-based nanocomposite designed for corrosion protection

ABSTRACT

This effort reports on novel polyimide (PI) and polybenzimidazole (PBI)-based system for corrosion protection. Polyaniline nanoparticle was generated in situ in polybenzimidazole (PBI-in-PANI). Carbon nano-onion (CNO) was opted as nanofiller. Ultimately, hybrid system of polyimide/polybenzimidazole-in situ-polyaniline nanoparticle/carbon nano-onion (PI/PBI-in-PANI/CNO) was developed. Temperature dependency of molecular weight of PBI was checked using gel permeation chromatography. Field emission scanning electron microscopy revealed fine network like morphology for PI/PBI-in-PANI/CNO nanocomposite. Transmission electron microscopy depicted small spherical PBI-in-PANI nanoparticle and CNO in matrix. At 180°C, conductivity of PI/PBI-in-PANI and PI/PBI-in-PANI/CNO series was enhanced in range of 1.6–2.8 and 3.0–3.3 S cm⁻¹. About 5% PI/PBI-in-PANI/CNO nanocomposite coating enhanced corrosion protection effect up to 70%.

KEYWORDS:

• Carbon nano-onion
• corrosion protection
• polyaniline nanoparticle
• polybenzimidazole
• polyimide