CORROSION PROTECTION OF UNCLAD 2024-T3 ALUMINUMSURFACE WITH BOTH CHROMIUM CONVERSION ANDMWCNT NANOCOMPOSITE COATINGS

摘要

In the present studies, we have developed double coating systems using chromium andnanocomposite coatings to protect the Al alloys currently used by the aircraft industry. Thecorrosion characteristics of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) mixed with an epoxyprimer were investigated. Dispersion techniques for the MWCNT were outlined for properhomogeneous mixing into the primer as verified by the SEM. Corrosion exposure wasaccomplished with a salt/fog chamber for approximately forty days and documented with digitalpictures, optical microscopy, and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Fading as well as saltstaining was visible on the samples. Microcracks were found with the use of AFM on samplesbelow two percent CNTs. The surface roughness increased proportionally with the weightpercentages of the inclusion.