Preparation and Characterization of Structure and Corrosion Resistivity of Polyurethane /Montmorillonite/Cerium Nitrate Nanocomposites

In this study, nanocomposite coatings based on polyurethane cerium nitrate montmorillonite (MMT) were prepared, applied on carbon steel substrates, and investigated. The nanocomposite coatings were successfully prepared by the effective dispersing of nanoparticles in polyurethane resin by mechanical and sonication processes. The state of dispersion, dissolution, and incorporation were characterized by optical microscopy, sedimentation tests, and transmission electron microscopy. The structure and properties of the nanocomposite coatings were investigated by X-ray diffraction and anticorrosive properties of the nanocomposites were studied by Tafel polarization measurements. The experimental results showed that the PU/MMT/Cerium nitrate nanocomposite coatings were superior to the neat PU in corrosion protection. In addition, it was observed that the corrosion protection of the nanocomposite coatings was improved as the clay and cerium nitrate loadings were increased to 4 wt.% to 2 wt.% respectively.