Analysis of PVDF Coating Properties with Addition of Hydrophobically Modified Fumed Silica

In this study, hydrophobically modified fumed silica was added to the PVDF coating to improve corrosion protection performance. Two types of silane modifiers, trimethylchlorosilane (TMCS) and hexamethyldisilazane (HMDZ), were used for hydrophobic modification of the fumed silica. The composition of modified fumed silica was analyzed by Fourier transform infrared, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and elemental analysis. The dispersion of modified fumed silica in the PVDF coating was observed by the transmission electron microscopy, and the hydrophobicity of PVDF coating was analyzed by the water contact angle. Surface properties were examined by the field emission scanning electron microscopy and scanning probe microscopy. Potentiodynamic polarization was conducted to confirm corrosion protection performance of PVDF coating in terms of hydrophobically-modified fumed silica contents. As a result, the average surface roughness and the water contact angle of the PVDF coating increased with modifier contents. The results of the potentiodynamic polarization test showed an increase of the E-corr values with increase of the hydrophobicity of PVDF coating Thus, it clearly indicates that the corrosion protection performance of PVDF coating improved with the addition of the hydrophobic-modified fumed silica that prevents the penetration of moisture into the PVDF coating.