Production, structural and corrosion protection study of electroactive polyamide/alumina nanocomposites

Electroactive polyamide/alumina nanocomposite of various compositions has been been synthesized by in situ oxidative coupling polymerization followed by thermal imidization. X-ray diffraction confirmed pattern of all nanocomposite shows peak corresponding to both alpha-alumina and polyamide. Fourier Transform Infrared and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy were indicated the presence of amide group and alumina nanoparticles in the nanocomposites respectively. Field emission scanning electron microscope and Transmission electron microscopy showed continuous phase of EPA with Al₂O₃ particles of 8–18 nm size in the composite. The average roughness values amongst the nanocomposite coating indicated no significant variation. The water contact angle of pure electroactive polyamide and nanocomposite coating showed hydrophilic and hydrophobic property respectively and the slightly hydrophobic nanocomposite coatings posses a superior corrosion resistance than the electroactive polyamide coated and bare 201 stainless steel. (paper)