Corrosion protection of aluminum 6061 in NaCl solution by silane–zeolite composite coatings

Anticorrosion properties of silane–zeolite composite coatings applied on aluminum substrates have been investigated. The composite coatings were prepared with different zeolite microparticles concentration (from 500 to 8000 ppm). Physico-chemical tests (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, adhesion, scanning electron microscopy, and contact angle measurements) have been carried out to evaluate the homogeneity and structural properties of the coatings. The coatings that resulted were highly hydrophobic for all zeolite contents and showed a relatively good adhesion performance. Corrosion protection performances in 3.5% NaCl solution were evaluated by means of polarization tests, evidencing good barrier characteristics of the composite layer.