Nanonetwork Composite Coating for Sensing and Corrosion Inhibition

A nanonetwork composite coating is prepared for serving as both pH sensor and reservoir for the delivery of functional payload. The composite coating consists in nanofibers containing encapsulated pH-responsive dye and corrosion inhibitor. The nanofibers are then incorporated in a hydrophobic polymer. While the nanofibers remained intact, they provide additional adhesion strength to the metal substrate. Sensing ability and releasing of active payload are demonstrated by immersing in an artificial corrosive environment and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements. The composite coating can detect the early onset of corrosion and hinders efficiently corrosion compared with passive coatings. This concept paves the way for creating smart coatings that can hinder corrosion progress and allow for an early detection of corrosion before irreversible damages on metallic structures.