Optimizing Experimental Immersion Protocol for SEBS Coating Formation on Copper Surfaces Using Response Surface Methodology

Polystyrene-block-poly (ethylene-ran-butylene)-block-polystyrene (SEBS) was successfully deposited on the copper surface with an optimal condition of immersion protocol. Response surface methodology (RSM), particularly Box-Behnken Design (BBD), was used to study the combination of three environmental factors that minimize corrosion rate (CR), evaluated by voltammetry around the open circuit potential (OCP). The BBD analysis calculates the contribution value of each parameter in changing the value of the CR in both individual and synergistic cases. The optimized parameters were found to be 2.17% of SEBS ratio, 20 min of immersion time 1, and 21 min of immersion time 2. The empirical model result was confirmed by studying the electrochemical behavior of the SEBS coating on copper under optimal conditions (Cu-SEBS-Opt-Cond) exposed in a 3 wt% NaCl solution.