Corrosion protection behaviour of silica–titania hybrid coatings embedded with silica nanoparticles

Hybrid sol-gel coatings prepared using organically modified silanes and corrosion inhibitors are used for the surface protection of metals and alloys. This paper focuses on the corrosion behaviour and compatibility of silica nanoparticles as nanocontainers in silica–titania hybrid system. The surface protection of the alloy is improved by using silica nanoparticles as nanocontainers for cerium (III) inhibitor. The hybrid coating system protected AA2024-T3 alloy effectively against corrosion when immersed in NaCl solution for prolonged hours. The barrier property of the sol-gel film was found to be reinforced due to the presence of cerium nitrate inhibitor in the silica nanoparticles.