A Cellular Automata model for the release of corrosion inhibitors from primer coatings

摘要

Primer coatings containing active corrosion inhibitors are commonly used to protect metallicmaterials from corrosion. The process of transport and leaching of active species is fundamental tothe functioning of this type of coatings. However, the mechanism of release and the effect of thestructural characteristics of a coating on the overall process are still not completely understood. A3D Cellular Automata model is presented to study this phenomenon. The model simulates thedissolution of soluble pigment particles and the diffusion of dissolved species from a primercoating exposed to an aqueous solution. Furthermore, the generation of virtual coatings withcontrolled parameters allows the investigation of the influence of the microstructure of pigmentedcoatings on the process of release. The results of simulations show a good agreement withavailable experimental data and the effect of parameters such as the pigment volumeconcentration or the particle size distribution on the leaching kinetic is reported. Together with thesimplicity and versatility of the approach, these results prove the feasibility of a Cellular Automatamodel to study the release of corrosion inhibitors and improve the understanding of the relationshipbetween microstructure and properties of organic coatings.