For many years, hexavalent chromium (Cr<sup>6+</sup>) was used as an effective anti-corrosion inhibitor in paints and primers. However, due to its toxicity, there is interest in finding alternative corrosion inhibitors. In this investigation, the anti-corrosion properties of several coatings containing small amounts of cerium oxide nanoparticles applied to aircraft grade aluminum are evaluated using scanning electrochemical microscopy. The scanning electrochemical microscope (SECM) can evaluate the effectiveness of a coating by applying a voltage across the surface of the coated metal and observing the change in current to identify areas of electrochemical activity on the sample surface, which can determine effectiveness of anti-corrosion coatings. More effective anti-corrosion coatings will display little current upon voltage application, due to the corrosion protection provided by the coating. Additionally, the SECM has the benefit of a relatively quick screening of potential anti-corrosion coatings, which could assist in quickly evaluating better performing coatings before extensive and time-consuming exposure testing takes place. Our results show that coatings which contain cerium oxide nanoparticles do provide some level of anti-corrosion protection.

Evaluation of potential anti-corrosion coatings using scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM)

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