Novel bis-silane/TiO2 bifunctional hybrid films for metal corrosion protection both under ultraviolet irradiation and in the dark

Novel silane/TiO2 bifunctional hybrid films based on highly protective bis-[triethoxysilylpropyl]-tetrasulfide silane were prepared on stainless steel substrates. With the addition of silane agent, TiO2 particles can be more easily immobilized and better dispersed onto the substrates, leading to significant enhancement of the photocathodic protection to substrates under ultraviolet irradiation. Meanwhile, due to the high protectiveness of the bis-silane matrix, the obtained hybrid films also have a high barrier performance if they are used in the dark. (c) 2007 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.