Ag-CuO/epoxy hybrid nanocomposites as anti-corrosive coating and self-cleaning on copper substrate

This study aims to prepare Ag-CuO nanoparticles and assess their efficiency in protecting the copper substrate. The prepared Ag-CuO nanoparticle was characterized using, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope/energy-dispersive X-ray (SEM/EDX), and transmission electron microscope (TEM). The anticorrosion performance of the epoxy coatings containing various weight percentages of Ag-CuO nanoparticles was evaluated in 3.5 wt% NaCl solution using potentiodynamic polarization (PDP), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) techniques. The results showed that corrosion potential shifted from − 0.211 V for uncoated copper to − 0.120 V for 5.0 wt% Ag-CuO/epoxy hybrid nanocomposite. Electrochemical measurements indicated that the coating 5.0 wt% coating exhibited excellent inhibiting properties with an efficiency of 99.9%. Wettability and mechanical properties were measured for both uncoated and coated copper substrates. The contact angle for 5.0 wt% coating is equal to 104° enhancing the hydrophobic character of the surface. The study clearly establishes that the hybrid composite has a significant potential for protecting the copper substrate.