Synthesis and characterization of corrosion protective poly(2,5-dimethylaniline) coatings on copper

Abstract Poly(2,5-dimethylaniline) coatings were synthesized on copper (Cu) by electrochemical polymerization of 2,5-dimethylaniline in aqueous salicylate solution by using cyclic voltammetry. The characterization of these coatings was carried out by cyclic voltammetry, UV–visible absorption spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results of these characterizations indicate that the aqueous salicylate solution is a suitable medium for the electrochemical polymerization of 2,5-dimethylaniline to generate strongly adherent and smooth poly(2,5-dimethylaniline) coatings on Cu substrates. The performance of poly(2,5-dimethylaniline) as protective coating against corrosion of Cu in aqueous 3% NaCl was assessed by the potentiodynamic polarization technique. The results of the potentiodynamic polarization demonstrate that the poly(2,5-dimethylaniline) coating has ability to protect the Cu against corrosion. The corrosion potential was about 0.078 V versus SCE more positive in aqueous 3% NaCl for the poly(2,5-dimethylaniline) coated Cu than that of uncoated Cu and reduces the corrosion rate of Cu almost by a factor of 31.